Sex differences in perceived competence

Abstract

Consideration of the literature on self‐concept indicates the necessity for a multidimensional model of self‐perceived competence. The Perceived Competence Scale for Children (PCSC) was completed by 102 boys and 88 girls aged 11 years. Girls were significantly lower on physical and general competence than boys. Intercorrelations of the PCSC for girls demonstrate significantly stronger associations between physical and cognitive competence, and physical and general competence, than for boys. It is concluded that combining data for boys and girls, as if their self‐construals of competence were similar, does not represent a picture of perceived competence that is necessarily true for either sex.