Self-Esteem and Physical Development in Early Adolescence:

Abstract

Relations between self-esteem, pubertal timing, and body image were investigated with a representative sample of Scottish schoolgirls 11 (n = 1,012, X = 11.53 years, SD = 0.32) and 13 (n = 799, X = 13.53, SD = 0.32) years of age. Data were derived from the Health Behaviour in School Children: WHO Cross-National Survey, specifically the Scottish survey. Among 11-year-olds, early maturation and lower ratings of body image (body size and perceived appearance) were associated with lower reported levels of selfesteem. There also was evidence that body image mediated the relation of pubertal timing on self-esteem for this age group. Among 13-year-olds, reports of body size concerns and poorer perceived appearance were predictive of lower ratings of self-esteem, as was late maturation. In this case, there was no evidence of mediation. Results lend support to the contention that pubertal timing influences body image and self-esteem.