The Implications of Gender Differences and Choice of Coping Strategies on Levels of Self-Esteem Among Adolescents Living in Kuwait

Abstract

The literature on Arab adolescents and the interplay between their coping strategies and self esteem attainment is somewhat
lacking. Previous studies suggest that that there is a significant difference between males and females in terms of engagement in coping
strategies and academic attainment (Lawrence, 2006). In addition, the literature reveals that gender differences do exist in coping
strategies of undergraduate students and in turn may impact self-esteem (Lawrence, 2006). The current study explores the extent to
which certain selected coping strategies affect self-esteem and secondly, the impact of coping strategies within gender. The
comprehensive COPE questionnaire (1989) and the Rosenberg Self Esteem Inventory (1965) were administered to a random sample of
adolescents, ages 13 to 18, in Kuwait. A survey methodology was used to collect the data amongst both female and male adolescent
students attending various high schools across Kuwait. The sample entailed 467 students, 232 males and 235 females, attending private
schools in Kuwait. We hypothesized that 1) religion will be utilized by both sexes given the collectivist and religious nature of the Kuwaiti
society, 2) females will utilize seeking of social support for emotional reasons, 3) denial will be utilized by males due to societal gender
role restrictions of personal expression, 4) adolescents with high self-esteem will use more assimilative coping mechanisms, and 5)
accommodative coping strategies imposed by collectivist societies, such as religion and support for emotional reasons, will decrease self
esteem since such coping strategies entail conformity and inhibit individuality.