Self-Esteem and Leadership in Physical Education Among Senior High School Girls

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the differences between self-esteem ratings and positions of leadership in physical education among three groups of senior high school girls. It was thought that there would be significant differences in ratings of self-esteem among girls in selected positions of leadership, appointed positions of leadership, and no leadership positions. The following hypotheses were tested: There will be a significant difference between self-esteem ratings of those girls selected to a position of leadership in physical education and those appointed to a position of leadership. There will be a significant difference between self-esteem ratings of those girls appointed to a position of leadership in physical education and those who are in no position of leadership. There will be a significant difference between self-esteem ratings of those girls selected to a position of leadership in physical education and those who are in no position of leadership. Through a sociogram administered to students enrolled in regular physical education classes, the selected group of leaders (N=30) and those in no position of leadership (N=30) were determined. The girls who were currently participating in a leadership corp (N=30) were selected as the group representing those who were deemed serving in a position of appointed leadership. Once the girls were grouped according to leadership positions, the subjects were administered a self-esteem rating scale to determine if any differences existed. Rosenberg's self-esteem scale was used to determine the ratings. Additionally, to determine whether there were any physical skill differences between the groups of leaders and non-leaders, a volleyball skills pre-test was also employed. The skill test data were used primarily for informational purposes. Following all testing, the scores for the self-esteem test for each group and the volleyball pre-skills test were placed in tabular form and group means were found. Once means were determined, a one-way analysis of variance was employed to determine if any of the groups differed significantly at the usual level of significance (.05). Results of the analyses indicated that there were no significant differences within the self-esteem ratings between the three groups studied. Each of the three hypotheses was therefore rejected. As for the difference in skill between the selected group of leaders and those in no position of leadership, it was shown that those selected to a position of leadership by their classmates had a significantly higher level of skill than the non-leaders.