Mean-Level Change in Self-Esteem From Childhood Through Adulthood: Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Studies

This study performs a meta-analysis of the mean-level of change in self-esteem across the life span Fifty-nine studies yielded data from 130 independent samples Results indicate that, despite slightly increasing from childhood to the first decade of young adulthood, self-esteem does not change beyond 30 years old Self-esteem changes the most during the first decade of young adulthood The effects of gender and time span between assessments on change in self-esteem were minimal during adolescence, while the way self-esteem is measured significantly affects change The mean effect size was the largest with the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and the smallest with Harter's Self-Perception Profile Birth cohort also significantly influences change. whereas older cohorts change to a smaller extent compared to younger cohorts