The Effects of Gender and Gender Roles on Adolescents’ Self Images

Abstract

This study aims to find out whether the self images of adolescents change depending on their gender and gender roles. Participants were 88 female and 106 male, totally 194 adolescents aged between 15-19. In order to identify the gender role of adolescents The Bern Sex Role Inventory and in order to identify the level of self image of the adolescents The Offer Self Image Inventory were used. Results showed that the levels of self images of androgen adolescents were higher than those who acquired undifferentiated gender role. Furthermore, the differences regarding the self image in family relationship, impulse control, body image, emotional tone, vocational and educational goals and social relationship were significant in terms of gender roles. The common impact of gender and gender role significantly contributed to the sub categories; vocational and educational goals and mental health.