Abstract

It has been reported gender differences in life satisfaction and self-perception of adolescents. However, few studies have investigated the mechanism underlying the gender differences in life satisfaction. This study examined the mediation effect of self-perception on the relationship between gender and life satisfaction in early adolescence. The Satisfaction with Life Scale for Children(SWLS-C) and Harter's Self Perception Profile for Children scale(H-SPPC) were administered to 157 boys and 138 girls in the 5th and 6th grades of elementary school. It was found that girls showed a significantly lower scores in life satisfaction and 3 dimensions of self-perception(academic competence, physical appearance, and athletic competence) than boys. Academic competence and physical appearance perfectly mediated the relationship between gender and life satisfaction. These results suggest that girls in early adolescence may less satisfied in their lives due to negative perception of their academic ability and physical appearance, compared to boys.