Abstract
The study aims to examine the relationship between self-esteem and perceived social support among the Malaysian adolescents. Gender differences of perceived social support and self-esteem among the respondents were also investigated. To achieve the objectives of the study, a survey was conducted with a relatively large (n=460) random samples of adolescents, aged 16-20, drawn from schools, colleges and universities in Malaysia. The Self-esteem Rating Scale (SERS) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were used in the study. The results indicated that there were no gender differences in perceived social support and self-esteem among adolescents. However, a positive correlation was found between perceived social support and self-esteem. The study also found peer support was the highest form of perceived social support.
Highlights
Developing understanding of the potential buffering effect of social support which includes family and peer support is important as some evidences found social support may well buffer the relationship between violence and psychological distress (Herman-Stahl & Pertersen, 1996)
According to the results analysis obtained from this present study, we can conclude that there is a correlation amongst the two inventories used, which are Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Self-Esteem Rating Scale (SERS)
The present study revealed a significant positive correlation between perceived social support and self-esteem among adolescents
Summary
Developing understanding of the potential buffering effect of social support which includes family and peer support is important as some evidences found social support may well buffer the relationship between violence and psychological distress (Herman-Stahl & Pertersen, 1996). We attempt to explore how perceived social support factors would affect an individual’s self-esteem levels. The contribution of conducting such a research is to enable mental health professionals to better pin point their efforts in improving society’s self-esteem and perceived social support. Researching on the relationship between self-esteem and perceived social support factors would allow mental health professionals, parents and educators to plan intervention techniques to help respondents with lower level of self-esteem. This is crucial for the development of an individual as self-esteem has been found to have protective effect against discrimination and lead to better mental health (Fischer & Shaw, 1999).
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