Change and associated factors of self-esteem among children in rural China: A two-year longitudinal study

Abstract

Childhood has been targeted as an especially important period for self-esteem formation. The aim of this study is to examine the change and associated factors of self-esteem among children in rural China. A two-year longitudinal study was conducted with a general elementary and secondary school population in Anhui Province, China including 816 children aged between 7 and 16 years. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to examine relationships between low self-esteem and socio-demographic, family environment, and psychosocial factors. On average, self-esteem level among children was increased across three assessments. Multivariable analysis (GEE) showed that low self-esteem in children was clearly associated with male gender (OR = 1.45, 95%CI = 1.12–1.89), moderate and severe family dysfunction (OR = 1.88, 95%CI = 1.40–2.51; OR = 1.88, 95%CI = 1.25–2.83, respectively), quality of life (OR = .97, 95%CI = .96–.98), depression (OR = 1.89, 95%CI = 1.32–2.70), anxiety (OR = 2.05, 95%CI = 1.51–2.77), positive coping styles (OR = .91, 95%CI = .89–.94), and negative coping styles (OR = 1.05, 95%CI = 1.03–1.07). Self-esteem is a dynamic rather than a static construct during childhood. Low self-esteem among children was associated with a number of socio-demographic, family environment, and psychosocial factors. Further studies exploring the pathways and mechanisms by which the effect of these factors impact on self-esteem among children are warranted.