On the multidimensional versus unidimensional perspectives of self-esteem: A test using the group-comparison approach

The purpose of the present studies was to test the unidimensional versus the multidimensional perspectives of self-esteem using a group-comparison approach. In the first study, male and female talented and regular students completed the Perceived Competence Scale (Harter, 1982). This scale assesses self-esteem in three life domains: cognitive (school), physical (sports and physical activity), and social, as well as general self-esteem. Results showed that talented students had higher self-esteem than regular students only in the cognitive domain. In Study 2, we sought to replicate and extend these findings to the context of sports. Male and female talented and regular swimmers completed the PCS as well as a swimming self-esteem subscale. Results showed that talented swimmers had significantly higher levels of swimming self-esteem than regular swimmers. Talented swimmers also reported higher levels of physical self-esteem although to a lesser extent. In addition, male students reported higher levels of self-esteem than females in the physical domain (Studies 1 and 2), as well as in swimming (Study 2). These findings were interpreted as providing strong support for the multidimensional view of self-esteem.