Miroljub Ivanović, Uglješa Ivanović

The aim of the research was to define gender differences in some aspects of self-concept at appropriate subsamples of examinees, as well as to determine particular dimensions of self-orientation which influence the general self-esteem of younger male and female preadolescents (athletes andThe aim of the research was to define gender differences in some aspects of self-concept at appropriate subsamples of examinees, as well as to determine particular dimensions of self-orientation which influence the general self-esteem of younger male and female preadolescents (athletes and non-athletes). An adapted version of the Harter’s questionnaire Self-perception profile for Children was applied and it showed satisfactory metric characteristics. The obtained results were assessed by basic procedures of descriptive statistics and the multiple regression analysis method. They showed that athletes of both genders have more positive self-perception than their peers. Sports engagement positively contributes to the scores at subscales of self-orientation of younger male adolescents. The results of multiple regression analysis undoubtedly emphasize the domain of “physical appearance” as the most important partial contribution to global self-worth (as a criteria variable) in both genders, regardless of the fact if they are engaged in physical activities or not. Apart from important theoretical implications, the obtained results confirm the statistical significance of the self-concept of examinees in the period of early adolescence (athletes and non-athletes), as well as the prediction of the variance of their global self-worth. Non-athletes). An adapted version of the Harter’s questionnaire Self-perception profile for Children was applied and it showed satisfactory metric characteristics. The obtained results were assessed by basic procedures of descriptive statistics and the multiple regression analysis method. They showed that athletes of both genders have more positive self-perception than their peers. Sports engagement positively contributes to the scores at subscales of selforientation of younger male adolescents. The results of multiple regression analysis undoubtedly emphasize the domain of “physical appearance” as the most important partial contribution to global self-worth (as a criteria variable) in both genders, regardless of the fact if they are engaged in physical activities or not. Apart from important theoretical implications, the obtained results confirm the statistical significance of the self-concept of examinees in the period of early adolescence (athletes and non-athletes), as well as the prediction of the variance of their global self-worth.

Keywords: self-concept, preadolescents, gender differences, global selfworth, sport

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