Race and sex differences in adolescent self-perceptions of physical attractiveness and level of self-esteem during early and late adolescence

Abstract

Race and sex differences in self-perceptions of attractiveness and level of self-esteem were examined for an adolescent sample over a 2-yr period. Results showed race differences in self-perceptions of attractiveness during both early and late adolescence. Blacks rate themselves higher in attractiveness than whites rate themselves at both time periods. Race differences in self-esteem did not occur at either time period. Sex differences in self-perception of attractiveness and level of self-esteem did occur, but only during early adolescence. Males rate both their attractiveness and level of self-esteem higher than females rate themselves during early adolescence. These differences are discussed in relation to existing research and differing attractiveness standards.