Effect of Social Support on Self-Esteem of Children from Low-Income Families : Focusing on Local Children's Centers in Incheon

Abstract

Background: Due to COVID-19, children from low-income families are relatively difficult to receive social support compared to children from general families, resulting in a decline in self-esteem. Purpose: To find out the current situation of children from low-income families in Korea, and to determine what social support affects children's self-esteem in the COVID-19 situation. Methodology/Approach: In order to find out the self-esteem of Incheon children, content analysis was conducted using a random sampling method of children from 20 local children's centers in Incheon. The total number of questionnaires collected by direct collection and mail with the cooperation of each institution is 242. Of these, 240 copies were analyzed and used, excluding two unfaithful copies. Findings/Conclusion: It was found that children were less supported by teachers as COVID-19 prevented them from attending school normally. This inevitably affects the self-esteem of children who do not receive positive support from family support. This will also be another task that our society should pay attention to and solve together for children from low-income families who are unable to maintain their right to learn through private institutes or tutoring and are likely to be isolated and neglected at home. Facilities close to children, such as local children's centers and youth facilities for low-income families, should be made safer, more comfortable, and more accessible. It is necessary to provide a more positive environment for children from low-income families and create a variety of adults and peer groups to create positive social support so that they can eliminate delinquency or negative emotions caused by deficiency can be eliminated. In addition, we do not know when and how our society will encounter another negative environment such as COVID-19, and children from low-income families will grow into adults with psychosocial problems (depression, suicide, interpersonal difficulties, antisocial tendencies), so we need to develop various programs, quality education, and various experiences. Implications: Children are most affected by family support, and teacher support, which does not have significant results, is a special situation indicated by COVID-19, suggesting that children from low-income families have no choice but to rely on family support.