Beyond Exam Results? Differences in the social and psychological perceptions of young males and females at school

Abstract

This paper reports the views and perceptions of around 1000 students in their final two years of compulsory schooling in respect of self-efficacy, goal orientation and motivation, stress and interpersonal skills. Gender differences are also reported. The study found that most students were generally positive about school and their future and felt in control of their lives. However, whilst male students felt better prepared in terms of problem solving, they were more likely to rely on luck and others to control their successes than were females. Whilst most pupils enjoyed going to school, over half often felt stressed, bored or fed up with school, and most of this group were female. The majority of students, of both sexes, felt comfortable approaching and communicating with teachers and adults in general, although up to a quarter had difficulties in this respect.