The Effects of Self-Esteem Enhancement on School Aged Children

Abstract

Abstract : Advanced Practice Nurses are responsible for monitoring not only the physical well being, but also the mental health of the children in their care. This replication study examined the effect of a self esteem enhancement program on mid-western sixth graders' self esteem scores (n=29). The Coopersmith Self esteem Inventory (SEI) was used to determine pre and post test self esteem scores for students who participated in a four month self esteem enhancement program. Mean scores showed females had overall higher self esteem scores than males, however this was not statistically significant. Subjects who reported having friends showed significantly higher total self esteem scores (Total 1 p=.011; Total 2 p=.001). Caucasians had significantly higher self esteem scores at Time 1 (Total 1 p=.009), while non-Caucasians had significantly lower self report scores overall (General 1 p=.039; General 2 p=.050). Subjects with lower socioeconomic status (SES) reported significantly lower self esteem scores. Those with lower SES however, showed a significant increase in scores Time 1 to Time 2 (MANOVA p=.005), suggesting positive effect of self esteem education. While the finding cannot be generalized, there is evidence that it may be beneficial to offer self esteem training to children of low SES populations.