Self-Esteem and Life Goals of College Women and Men, 1978

These data were collected to assess the educational goals, career goals, and marital/parenthood plans of students attending a coeducational Seven Sisters college, and to determine the extent to which these goals are related to demographic background, self-esteem, and enrollment in women's studies courses. The sample consisted of 244 women and 62 men who were enrolled in 13 courses, including six in the area of women's studies. Of the men and women present in the classes, 95% completed the questionnaires, which took approximately 15 minutes during class time. The 29-item questionnaire consisted mostly of short-answer questions on demographic background, parents' education and occupations, personal traits, educational and career goals, and plans for marriage and children. Self-esteem was assessed with the 10-item Rosenberg Scale. The questionnaire was completed during the first week of classes and again during the last week of classes. The second questionnaire included additional questions about women's studies courses and participation in campus organizations. The Murray Research Archive holds original record paper data from the study.