THE EMERGENCE DURING ADOLESCENCE OF GENDER DIFFERENCES IN SYMPTOM REPORTING

This study investigates the psychological processes underlying establi shed gender differences in physical and psychological symptom reportin g. Adolescents (n = 548) from three age groups (13,14,15-years-old) we re asked to complete measures of physical and psychological symptoms. They also completed a series of self-descriptions to assess feelings o f competence, withdrawal, rejection, family support and social respons ibility and a short self-esteem scale. Preliminary analyses confirmed previous findings, based on adult samples, of gender differences in th e reported incidence of symptomatology, with girls reporting more symp toms than boys. However, gender differences were reduced substantially when self-reports of self-esteem, competence, withdrawal, rejection, family support and social responsibility were taken into account. Boys who reported more physical and psychological symptoms rated themselve s to be less competent. However, there were no other differences betwe en boys and girls. The analyses showed that symptom reports were media ted by adolescents' views about themselves, rather than directly assoc iated with age or gender.