This study examined the role that domain importance plays in mediating the relations between domain-specific (such as verbal ability, physical appearance, opposite sex relations, and honesty) and general self-perceptions. Focusing on two previous studies by Hoge and McCarthy (1984) and Marsh (1986), the current study was designed to address the shortcomings of previous research. The study identified four shortcoming of previous studies, namely a lack of variability among the domains sampled, participant homogeneity, a potentially faulty operationalization of domain importance, and the use of single-item rather than multi-item scales to assess importance. The study then questioned 168 middle school students about importance and self-concept, finding that self-concept in all domains was related to general self-esteem, and that importance was generally related to appropriate facets of self-concept and to general self-esteem. The relations between self-concept in some domains and general self-esteem appeared to depend on how important the domain was to the individual and on how importance was assessed. (Contains 55 references.) (MDM)