High abilities and gender: a self-esteem as an influential factor in the differences between sexes

Abstract

The results obtained in the diagnosis of high abilities are lower in girls than in boys; however, there are not conclusive studies that confirm differences in intelligence depending on sex. The published literature places gender stereotypes and self-esteem as fundamental variables in this existing gap. Reasonably, we have carried out a quantitative investigation of self-esteem in 118 subjects of 4th, 5th and 6th grade of Primary Education, comparing the results according to different modulating variables. We have used the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The results confirm that there are differences in self-esteem according to sex, with girls having the lowest levels. Academic results are another variable that correlates positively with self-esteem. No significant results have been found that relate the evaluated constructs with age, course, high abilities diagnosed or the subjects type of center. The conclusions focus on the demand for new research that analyzes the possible link of discrimination of women with their lack of self-esteem, focusing on women with high abilities.

Keywords

• altas capacidades
• género
• autoestima
• estereotipos
• igualdad de oportunidades