Development of self-esteem from adolescence to adulthood a gender-specific analysis

This study investigates the relative and the differential continuity of self-esteem from age 15 to 35, based on the longitudinal data of the LifE-Study. Three possible sources of self-esteem were assessed: perceived appreciation in a romantic relationship and competence in family life as well as in professional life. Special attention was paid to differences between men and women. For both the level and the continuity of self-esteem gender-specific differences could be observed. With respect to the factors influencing self-esteem the results for men and Women without children did not differ. However, the birth of a child triggers a more traditional division of labor, which is reflected in the factors relevant for self-esteem of men and women.