Search Results: self esteem and confidence

A new study from Brigham Young University conducted by BYU family life professor Sarah M. Coyne, found that engaging with Disney Princess culture could make young children more susceptible to gender stereotypes which can potentially lower their self-esteem and confidence.

The study states that, "For both boys and girls, more interactions with the princesses predicted more female gender-stereotypical behavior a year later."

“We know that girls who strongly adhere to female gender stereotypes feel like they can’t do some things,” Coyne said. “They’re not as confident that they can do well in math and science. They don’t like getting dirty, so they’re less likely to try and experiment with things.”

Do you agree with this study? Girls, did you engage with Disney Princess toys and movies when you were young and do you feel it had this sort of impact on you? What are your thoughts?