The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among global self-worth (GSW), competencies in various domains, discrepancy between these perceptions of competence and their ratings of importance, and perceived social support of children who were exposed to marital violence using Harter's (1985a, 1985b) theoretical model. Participants were 38 children aged 7 to 12 years. Children individually completed measures assessing their GSW, domain-specific competencies, perceived importance of each domain, and perceived emotional support from several significant individuals in their lives. The findings are consistent with Harter's model in which perceived social support and the perception of success in domains children believe to be important are related to their GSW. Specifically, children's perceived competencies in physical appearance, behavioural conduct, scholastic achievement, and popularity are strongly related to their GSW. Emotional support from mothers and close friends is more strongly related to children's GSW than support from teachers and non-kin adults.
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