The mediating role of self-worth based on others' approval in the relationship between gender conformity and self-esteem in university students

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between gender conformity and self-esteem, examining the mediating role of self-worth based on others’ approval, among 301 students (with an average age of 19.65) in Hanoi. Gender conformity in this study is approached through the aspect of absorbing social gender stereotypes attributed to masculinity and femininity. The results showed that self-esteem was negatively influenced by self-worth based on others’ approval, and positively influenced by masculinity. Finally, the mediating role of self-worth based on others’ approval in the relationship between masculinity and self-esteem is also confirmed, emphasizing the importance of considering the overall impact of conformity to gender norms in improving students' self-esteem.