Explores biological and sociocultural elements as functional determinants of self-esteem that are dependent upon gender and developmental stage. Findings indicate self-esteem of early adolescent girls depends upon parental support, but for boys it depends upon a sense of mastery. In later adolescence a sense of mastery becomes important to both…

Examined the role of parents acting as a social influence on 11- to 16-year-olds' self-knowledge about competence at academic activities. Found that parent- adolescent agreement was stronger with mothers than fathers and for aspects of self-knowledge that make direct inferences about abilities rather than indirect inferences. Results were similar…

Confirms hypotheses correlating adolescent competence (comprised of dependability, intelligence, and self-confidence) with personal stability, career, and marital satisfaction. Uses data from a longitudinal cohort studied over 50 years and from recent interviews with 60 of the original group members. Concludes that early socialization largely…