The paper presents a quasi-experimental study clarifying the variability of maths teachers’ sense of self-efficacy based on their personal theories regarding differences in mathematical giftedness between girls and boys. Didactic self-efficacy is understood as a judgment of the possibility of teaching all learners. A ‘personal theory’ is understood as a verbalized group of judgments regarding the source of mathematical giftedness among girls and boys. The two variables, i.e. ‘personal theories’ and ‘biological sex’, were introduced in a two-factor NOVA model. A strong main effect for ‘personal theories’ was noted, while there was no statistically significant effect for biological sex. The result shows that gender stereotypes can weaken teachers’ sense of didactic self-efficacy, and consequently block pupils’ opportunity for development.

The purpose of this study was to determine student perceptions of science teacher communication behavior in the classroom environment in Jordan. A total of 1,093 participants in the study completed the Teacher Communication Behavior Questionnaire (TCBQ). Results indicated the overall mean of teacher communication behavior to be 3.9 and showed statistically significant differences in gender perceptions on all five scales of the TCBQ. Results also showed statistically significant differences in student perceptions of teacher behavior in biology, physics and mathematics classes on all five scales of the teacher communication behavior.

Some remarks on the judgment of the Swiss Federal Tribunal of 8 September 2020 (Caster Semenya case)

This article deals with an important for the world of sport ruling of the Swiss Federal Tribunal of 2020 (in the case of the athlete Caster Semenya) decided against the background of the legal aspects of gender differences and sports competition. It presents an overview of the problem and its resolution, as well as possible further implications of the case, related to the standards of human rights protection existing under the European Convention on Human Rights. The author presents the principles of the prohibition of inhuman and degrading treatment, respect for private and family life and the prohibition of discrimination and makes a legal assessment of the judgment in the case from their perspective. The analysis results in conclusions concerning legal aspects of gender differences and sports competition. These conclusions have a universal dimension and apply to the broadly defined sub-discipline of law, which is the sports law.

The aim of the cross-sectional study is to map the development of self-concept in adolescents in terms of the Piers-Harris domain approach as well as to capture gender specifics, if any, in the process of its formation. Research involved 290 adolescents, divided in three age categories. The Piers-Harris Children’s and Adolescents´ Self-Concept Scale (Obereignerů et al., 2015) was used as the research tool. Results do not indicate statistically significant differences between groups of adolescents in their overall self-concept by age, except in certain self-concept dimensions. More specific results are provided by the gender analysis of age differences. Over time, change in physical self-concept (PHY) occurs in boys, and changes in behavioural self and anxiety (BEH, FRE) occur in girls. Results of the study can be taken into consideration by all school professionals in their work.

The aim of this research is to evaluate the emotions that generate constructive and destructive strategies for coping in social conflict situations by adolescents. Studies based on C. Spielberger’s ThreeFactor Personality States and Traits Inventory (TISCO), adapted by K. Wrześniewski, and K. Thomas’ and R. Kilmann’s Conflict Resolution Style Questionnaire (CRSQ), adapted by T. Wach (Dąbrowski 1991), were used for the empirical study done in 2014 on students from Polish gymnasium schools in Vilnius. Adolescent students (131 girls and 126 boys) ranging from age 1315 years were chosen. Base on the analysis of the study material collected, one can say that adolescents applying destructive strategies in social conflict situations, demonstrate high level of negative emotions. Adolescents who constructively steer their behaviour in a social conflict situation are characterized with a higher level of positive emotions. The data from current studies suggests that youths using cooperation strategies in social conflict situations, exhibit higher emotional tension of curiosity, as a trait. Studies conducted show that during the age of adolescence, boys deal with emotionsactivating social conflict situations better than girls, as more often they seek mutual understanding with partners rather than resolving disputable issues.

The Emotional Contagion Scale (ECS) developed by Dr. Elaine Hatfield, is a self-report measure used to investigate the individual’s susceptibility to catch another person’s emotions and experience the same. The catching of emotions could be conscious or unconscious. The study aims to validate the Emotional Contagion scale on the Indian subcontinent population for future use and application. The original American scale consisted of 15 items to be responded to by selecting the suitable option from given five, was given to an Indian sample of 498 individuals. To check the validity, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed. Gender differences were assessed and it was observed that men were high on catching and experiencing the emotions of others as compared to women. The Indian sample on ECS shows moderate to high reliability and high content validity. It thus concludes that the Emotional Contagion scale is valid for future use on the Indian Population.

The article discusses similarities and differences in the personality development of men and women in their life-span. The analyses of the developmental psychology research show that boys and girls develop their own personality from the early years of their life, thus adapting themselves to the gender stereotypes. The article also contains a survey of meta-analyses concerning the personality traits of men and women, conducted in different countries from 1958 to 2001 (Maccoby, Jacklin, 1974, Hall, 1984, Feingold, 1994, Costa, Terraciano, McCrae, 2001). The metaanalyses show a coherent image of gender differences in personality traits concerning greater tender-mindedness in women and greater assertiveness in men. At the same time, they indicate temporal changes and trends connected with a tendency for differences to disappear. They also emphasize cultural distinctness.

The contribution focuses on the investigation into the influence of gender on students’ achievement motivation. Achievement motivation perceived as a relatively stable predisposition of an individual is an important factor of achievement. The research was performed on the sample of 213 university students, out of whom 102 were women and 111 men. The research method was achievement motivation inventory (AMI), which diagnoses the achievement motive, anxiety hindering achievement and anxiety supporting achievement. The research findings have confirmed assumptions about gender differences in all the measured variables.

The paper deals with gender differences in achievement motivation of university students as well as searches for specific aspects of personality that participate in achievement motivation. At the same time it presents an overview of the number of differences found out by means of LMI methodology.