INFORMATION TO USERS This manuscript has been reproduced from the microfilm master. UMI films the text directly from the original or copy submitted. Thus, some thesis and dissertation copies are in typewriter face, while others may be from any type of computer printer. Hie quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. Broken or indistinct print, colored or poor quality illustrations and photographs, print bleedthrough, substandard margins, and improper alignment can adversely affect reproduction. In the unlikely event that the author did not send UMI a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if unauthorized copyright material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Oversize materials (e.g., maps, drawings, charts) are reproduced by sectioning the original, beginning at the upper left-hand comer and continuing from left to right in equal sections with small overlaps. Each original is also photographed in one exposure and is included in reduced form at the back of dm book. Photographs inchided in the original manuscript have been reproduced xerographically in this copy. Higher quality 6” x 9" black and white photographic prints are available for any photographs or illustrations appearing in this copy for an additional charge. Contact UMI directly to order. A Bell & Howell Information Company 300 North Zeeb Road. Ann Arbor. Ml 48106-1346 USA 313/761-4700 800/521-0600 Self-Esteem for Adolescent Girls: A Study of School Influences in Private School Settings A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Graduate School of the Ohio State University by Brenda Arnett Petruzzella, B.S., M.A. 1995 Dissertation Committee: Approved by Maia Pank Mertz, Chair George E. Newell Adviser Anna O. Soter ' College of Education Frank O ’Hare Robert Donmoyer UHI Number: 9534051 UMI Microform 9534051 Copyright 1995, by UMI Company. All rights reserved. This microform edition is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. UMI 300 North Zeeb Road Ann Arbor, MI 48103 Copyright by Brenda Arnett Petruzzella 1995 DEDICATION In loving memory of my mother, Ellen Clay Arnett, who gave me both roots and wings; In grateful thanks to my father, John Edward Arnett, who taught me the joy of learning and the value of hard work; and in honor of my daughter, Ellen Marie Petruzzella, the light of my life, to whom the future belongs. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I owe thanks to Johanna Sampson, my ninth grade English teacher, who probably never knew that she inspired me to become an English teacher. I am most indebted to the professors who have supported and guided my work during the last four years, Anna Soter, George Newell and especially my adviser, Maia Mertz. 1 appreciate Robert Donmoyer’s willingness to assist with this dissertation, and Frank O ’Hare’s help in producing a document which is readable as well as informative. I am most deeply grateful for the constant support and encouragement of my dear friend and fellow graduate student, Bettie St. Pierre. I especially thank my husband, Nick, who bought me my first computer at the most opportune time, and whose support made two sabbatical years possible; and my daughter Ellen, whose hugs lightened my days when the going got rough, and whose presence helped me keep life in proper perspective. 1 am also, of course, indebted more than I can express to both the students and faculty of the schools in which 1 worked. I am truly sorry that requirements of anonymity prevent me from mentioning them all by name. Without the enthusiastic cooperation of these administrators, teachers and students, this work would simply never have been done, VITA March 3, 1946 ...................................... Born, Prestonsburg, Ky. 1968.......................................................... B.S. in Education The Ohio State University 1968 - 1991.......................................... English teacher, South High School Columbus, Ohio 1972........................................................ M. A. in Education The Ohio State University 1991 - 1992........................................... Graduate Assistant The Ohio State University 1992-199.............................................. 3 English teacher, Mifflin High School Columbus, Ohio 1993-199.............................................. 4 Graduate Assistant The Ohio State University 1994-199.............................................. 5 English teacher, Eastmoor High School Columbus, Ohio HELDS OF STUDY Major Field: Education Studies in Literature Curriculm and Instruction Dr. Maia P. Mertz, Dr. Anna O. Soter, Dr. George E. Newell Studies in Language and Composition Dr. George E. Newell, Dr. Anna O. Soter, Dr. Frank O’Hare Cognate Area: Women’s Studies Dr. Mary Leach Studies in Qualitative Research Dr. Patti Lather, Dr. Robert Donmoyer iv LIST OF TABLES Table 1 - Time Line of Interviews ....................................................58 Table 2 - Self-Esteem Ratings ..........................................................89 Table 3 - Responses to Grounded Survey Statements about Boys ...... 131 v TABLE OF CONTENTS DEDICATION................................................................................................ ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS....................................................................... iii VITA.............................................................................................................. iv USTOFTABLES.......................................................................................... v CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION........................................................................ 1 Background of the Problem ............................................ 1 Statement of the Problem ............................................... 13 Significance of the Study ............................................... 14 Definition of Terms ............................................................ 16 II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE............................... 18 Women’s Values and Modes of Thinking ......................... 19 Gender and Self-Esteem ....................... 28 Gender and Reading ........................................................ 36 Gender and Reading Ability...................................... 37 Gender and Reading Preferences........................... 39 Gender and Reader Response................................ 40 Sex Roles in Adolescent Literature..........................43 III. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY...................... 50 Qualitative Research ........................................................ 51 Data Collection ................................................................ 55 Interviews .......................................................................... 55 vi Observations ..........................................................................58 Questionnaires ................................................................... 59 Documents .......................................................................... 61 Data Analysis...................................................................... 62 Trustworthiness ................................................................. 65 IV. PRESENTATION OF FINDINGS........................................ 68 Introduction AGS - The Single-Sex Setting.........................68 The Students ............................................... 70 School Philosophy. ...................................... 71 CPS - The Coed Setting ............................ 76 The Students ................................................77 School Philosophy. ..........................................78 Discussion ..................................................... 83 Presentation of Findings by Categories............................. 86 Self-Esteem and School Setting ...........................87 Girls with High Self-Esteem ...................... 90 Girls with Low Self-Esteem .......................95 Discussion ....................................................99 School and Academics .......................................102 Academic Pressure ...................................102 The Role of Reading ............................... 106 In-School Reading ....................... 106 Outside Reading ........................... I l l Changing Tastes ............................... 114 The Influence of Reading ...............116 Discussion ...................................................120 The Value of Friendships .................................. 123 Discussion ...................................................127 The Importance of Boys ..................................... 128 Discussion ...................................................130 Self-Image and Societal Expectations..................132 Discussion ...................................................136 vii School Image and Family Finances..............145 Discussion .......................................... 149 The Importance of Home and Parents 152 The Role of Sports ...................................... 153 Discussion ........................................ 155 The Role of Race .................................... 156 Discussion ........................................ 159 V CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS...................................163 Summary.....................................................................................163 Conclusions ........................................................................