Self-discrepancy in adolescence: Own and parental standpoints on the self

Adolescence is a period of growth in the capacity to represent multiple perspectives on the self. The capacity to represent multiple perspectives may increase the risk of detecting self-discrepancies. This article examines if self-discrepancy is predictive of functioning and if there are gender difference in relation to self-discrepancy and psychological functioning (internalizing and externalizing problems). 41 males and 47 females (aged 14–18 yrs) participated in the study. Ss completed the Selves Questionnaire and the Youth Self-Report. Results confirmed that self-discrepancy, independent of actual-self positivity, was predictive of internalizing and externalizing problems. For adolescent girls, discrepancy with parental standards predicted functioning, regardless of whether these standards were adopted as their own or not. Discrepancy with self-standards that were independent from parents also predicted externalizing problems in girls. For adolescent boys, discrepancy with independent standards, but not parental standards, predicted internalizing problems. The authors suggest that the relevance of own vs parental standards for self-regulation is gender specific

Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in adolescents with conduct disorder: Sex differences and onset Patterns

Examined sex differences in the rate and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma exposure, and onset patterns in youth with conduct disorder (CD). 45 male and 31 female 10–17 yr olds admitted to a clinical facility for severe behavior problems completed the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents—Revised (DICA-R) to assess the presence of CD and PTSD. Over one-half of CD youth reported exposure to trauma, yet only 17% met criteria for PTSD. PTSD was more frequent in CD girls (28%) than in boys (10%), and girls experienced greater symptom intensity and anhedonia, difficulty feeling love or affection, and disturbance of s1eep and concentration. Girls more frequently reported sexual assault, while boys were more likely to report accidents, physical assaults, and witnessing the death of a loved one. Retrospective reports indicated that PTSD tended to develop subsequent to CD

Relational self-regulation: Gender differences in risk for dysphoria

Examined gender differences in the level and psychological significance of discrepancy with own ideal standards (ISs) vs ideal standards held by parents and close others. 190 undergraduates completed the Selves Questionnaire, an interpersonal contingency beliefs measure, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Women showed higher levels of discrepancy with their own ISs than with the inferred ISs of parents and close others, suggesting that women may seek congruency with others\u27 hopes and wishes at the price of failing to attain their own aspirations. Men showed equal levels of discrepancy with their own and significant-other ISs. Discrepancy with own ISs was associated with increased dysphoria in both men and women, but discrepancy with others\u27 ISs was associated with significantly elevated levels of dysphoria only in women. Beliefs that failing to meet others\u27 standards would result in abandonment and rejection contributed independently from discrepancy in predicting dysphoria. The findings suggest that the tendency to modulate affect, self-esteem and behavior from a relational perspective may increase risk for psychological distress. Women may be more likely to adopt this regulatory style as a function of their socialization experiences