GENDER DIFFERENCES IN PERSONALITY - A METAANALYSIS

Four meta-analyses were conducted to examine gender differences in personality in the literature (1958-1992) and in normative data forwell-known personality inventories (1940-1992). Males were found to be more assertive and had slightly higher Self-esteem than females. Females were higher than males in extraversion, anxiety, trust, and, especially tender-mindedness (e.g., nurturance). There were no noteworthy sex differences in social anxiety, impulsiveness, activity, ideas (e.g., reflectiveness), locus of control, and orderliness. Gender differences in personality traits were generally constant across ages, years of data collection, educational levels, and nations.