Changes In Self-esteem Research Articles

Self-esteem as a mediator of the relationship between role functioning and symptoms for individuals with severe mental illness: A prospective analysis of Modified Labeling theory

BackgroundDespite a growing body of evidence supporting the efficacy of psychosocial rehabilitation for individuals with severe mental illness (SMI), a large proportion of these individuals remain unable to maintain basic social roles such as employee, parent, or spouse. This study investigated whether changes in role functioning over time impact symptom severity indirectly through the mechanism of changes in self-esteem as posited by Modified Labeling theory. MethodsThe study sample was composed of 148 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder with psychotic features, and major depression with psychotic features who elected to participate in community-based psychosocial rehabilitation services. Measures of role functioning, self-esteem, and psychiatric symptoms were gathered at baseline and six months through a combination of structured clinical interviews and self-report surveys. ResultsSEM results at baseline provided support for a model in which self-esteem fully mediated the relationship between role functioning and psychiatric symptoms. The final model explained 20% of the variance in psychiatric symptoms. Analyses at six months post-baseline (time 2) indicate that changes in self-esteem fully mediated the relationship between changes in role functioning and changes in psychiatric symptoms. The final change model explained 23% of the variance in changes in psychiatric symptoms. ConclusionResults provide empirical support for the principles underlying Modified Labeling theory. Implications include the need for interventions that focus on social participation as a means of improving self-esteem, thereby decreasing symptom exacerbation and future relapse for people with SMI.

Climate change in the dance studio: Findings from the UK centres for advanced training.

Little is known regarding the stability of motivational climate perceptions, or how changes in climate perceptions affect performers. As a result, dancers’ perceptions of the prevailing climate within both regional centers for talented young people and local dance schools were assessed longitudinally and in relation to dance class anxiety and self-esteem. Dancers (M age 14.41, SD 2.10; 75.7% female) completed standardized questionnaires approximately 6 months apart (Time 1 n 327; Time 2 n 264). Both climates were perceived as more task- than ego-involving, but talent center climates were perceived as more task-involving and less ego-involving than local climates. However, dancers found that talent centers became more ego-involving from the middle to the end of the school year, and this change predicted increases in anxiety. Changes in climate perceptions did not predict changes in self-esteem. Results point to the benefits of climates low in ego-involving features if dancers are to experience less anxiety around performance time.

Positive Side Effects of a Job-Related Training Program for Older Adults in South Korea

The objective of the current study was to evaluate empirically positive side effects of a job-related training program on older adults' self-esteem, depression, and social networks. A total of 70 older adults participated in the study after completing the Older Paraprofessional Training Program developed and provided by the Continuing Education Center in a university in Korea. The one group pretest-posttest design was employed to test the positive side effects of the program. The results of paired samples t tests statistically support that there are significant changes in self-esteem, depression, and social network after completing the program. The findings of the study are discussed in relation to the evaluation and development of job-related training programs for older adults.

Collaborative Learning is an Effective Method for Improving the E-health Literacy of Older Adults in the Community

Objective – To determine whether collaborative learning strategies in an informal class setting can improve electronic health literacy skills of older adults.
 
 Design – Pre- and post-test instruments used to measure effects of an educational intervention.
 
 Setting – Small group classes offered at two branches of a large, publicly funded, urban public library in Maryland.
 
 Subjects – A total of 111 adults aged 52 to 91, mean age 70.4 (SD 8.0), completed the study. The majority of participants were from minority populations (66% African American, 3% Latino, 3% Asian). Thirty three percent of participants reported an annual household income below $20,000. Eight percent were non-native English speakers. The majority of participants had low-level or no computer/Internet experience prior to the study.
 
 Methods – Collaborative learning strategies were used in small group hands-on computer classes to deliver a standardized curriculum (Helping Older Adults Search for Health Information Online: A Toolkit for Trainers from the National Institute on Aging). Strategies employed were: explicit statement of group/participatory nature of class, periodic peer shared reflection times during class, active encouragement of discussion between peers, hands-on work with partners, group discussion of real-life questions from participants, and structured shared reflection time at the close of each session. Participants were recruited through local advertisements. No incentive other than the free classes was offered. Groups met for two hours, twice a week for four weeks. Assessment was via pre and post-tests. General computing knowledge/skills were measured using objective tests of abilities. Questions from several established scales were adapted for additional assessment. E-health literacy was measured using questions of perceived skill and comfort in finding health information online; perceived usefulness of the Internet for help making health decisions; and perceived importance of the Internet for obtaining health information. Subjects were also asked to report on changes to their health behaviour/decision- making post intervention, and learning effort expended during the study. Additional questions measured psychological adjustment to later life, attitudes toward computers, attitude toward the aging experience, and attitude toward the collaborative learning method and the class. 
 
 Main Results – A dependent t-test analysis indicated strong significant gains post-test in computing/Internet knowledge and skills, and in e-health literacy efficacy (perceived skills/comfort with using the Internet for health information and decision-making). Pre-test results showed participants to be low on these measures, leaving much room for improvement. Perception of the usefulness and importance of the Internet for health decision-making also showed strong gains.
 
 Significant positive changes were also found in these areas of attitude: reduction of computer anxiety, attitude toward physical changes associated with aging, and improvement in attitude toward the collaborative learning method. 
 
 A majority of participants indicated altering health-related behaviours as a result of the class, including changing the way they think about diet or exercise, changing the way they cope with a condition, and changing their approach to maintaining health. 
 
 The results showed no significant change in self-esteem, self-efficacy, and psychological attitudes toward aging. Computer interest and efficacy also showed no significant change, perhaps because participants already measured high in these prior to the intervention.
 
 The amount of time participants spent preparing for class correlated significantly to e-health literacy efficacy and perceived importance of Internet health information, but not to other outcome measures. 
 
 Group composition (gender, peer familiarity, prior computer experience) did not affect outcomes; however composition was uneven, as groups were small and variable in size, and 71% of participants were female.
 
 Conclusion – The study supports the use of a collaborative learning approach to effectively deliver e-health literacy instruction to older adults in a community setting.

The impact of infertility on sexuality: A literature review.

Most studies address medical treatment of infertility and psychosocial outcomes caused by infertility-related stress, but few studies examine the infertility's impact on sexuality. A literature review was conducted to answer the questions: 1) How is sexual self concept impacted in infertile individuals and their partners? 2) Does infertility have a negative impact on sexual relationships? 3) Is sexual function affected by infertility? In answering these questions, we may develop a better understanding of sexuality in the context of infertility, and thus better inform infertility management. Ultimately the aim is to improve the quality of life for infertile couples. A literature search was conducted for publications from 1990 to 2011 via the electronic databases PubMed, PsycInfo and Scopus, which focused on sexuality in infertile subjects or couples. In this review, all studies were descriptive quantitative studies which mapped the different aspects of sexuality in the context of infertility. The results suggested that infertility and its treatment approaches for fertilisation could lead to changes in sexual self-esteem, sexual relationship and sexual function. The literature substantiated that many infertile subjects experienced trouble in various aspects of sexuality. However, further research should examine the reciprocal relations between sexual self concept, sexual relationship and sexual function in the context of infertility. How these changes affect the partners of infertile subjects should also be addressed.

The Benefits of Equine-Assisted Activities: An Exploratory Study

This study explores the benefits of equine-assisted-activities (EAA) to adolescents with emotional, behavioural or learning difficulties, expanding on previous anecdotal evidence by employing quantitative measures and a control activity. Ten adolescent males and one adolescent female attended a racehorse rehabilitation centre, interacting with both live and model horses. Interaction frequency, self-report anxiety and self-esteem were measured. A significant reduction in trait anxiety was found over the course of the programme, however, no changes in self-esteem were reported. Such programmes could reduce anxiety in at risk populations. Further research could deconstruct the study and elucidate the relationships between EAA and psychological well-being.

집단미술치료 프로그램 참여가 저소득층 한부모가족 아동의 자아존중감 및 또래관계에 미치는 효과

This study aims to research the effects of group art therapy program on the self-esteem and peer relationships of children in low-income and single-parent families. It was performed for 24 sessions with Lee Hyeon-Jin's(2006) and Shin Ji-Hye and Kim Gui-Bok's(2009) group art therapy program. The evaluation was performed with Park Mi-Ran's self-esteem questionnaire(2007) and Kim Taehee's peer-relationship questionnaire(2005). The subjects are 26 elementary students in low-income and single parent family who are in the 2, 3, and 4 grade and use A-regional children center and B-regional children center which are located in Gyeongbuk province. Means, standard deviations, Independent t-test and Paired t-test were conducted. Firstly, the change in self-esteem of both experiment group and control group is investigated before and after their taking group art therapy program. There are statistically meaningful enhancements in self-esteem of experimental group. But there are no statistically meaningful enhancements in self-esteem of control group. Secondly, peer-relationships in both experimental group and control group do not change between before and after taking group art therapy program. Thus, the program of group art therapy is thought to be effective therapy improving the self-esteem of child in low-income single-parent family.

Hypomanic Personality, Stability of Self‐Esteem and Response Styles to Negative Mood

This paper aims to study dysfunctional self-schematic processes, abnormal coping styles, over-responsiveness to reward stimuli (indicative of an over-sensitive behavioural activation system) and stability of self-esteem in relation to subclinical hypomania. Three cross-sectional studies were conducted on selected students on the basis of their scores on the Hypomanic Personality Scale (HPS) (study 1) and on elevated HPS and Dysfunctional Attitude Scale scores (studies 2 and 3). In studies 1 and 2, participants completed questionnaires and kept a self-esteem diary for 6 days. In study 3, the experience sampling method was used to assess momentary self-esteem, emotion and use of different coping styles over a 6-day period. Study 1 demonstrated that hypomanic traits are associated with high fluctuations in self-esteem. In study 2, high scores on both the HPS and the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale, but not the HPS alone, were associated with bipolar spectrum symptoms. These participants showed more evidence of alcohol and substance abuse, greater self-esteem fluctuation and dysfunctional coping styles (rumination and risk-taking) compared with controls. Changes in self-esteem were related to the use of these strategies. Vulnerability to bipolar disorder is associated with a combination of depression-related and reward-related processes.

Prospective analysis of the transition to sexual experience and changes in sexual self-esteem among adolescents attending therapeutic schools

Given increased sexual risk-taking among youth with mental health problems, this study sought to understand the developmental trajectory of sexual self-esteem (SSE) among this vulnerable population and how it is impacted by sexual experiences. Participants were 185 adolescents who attended therapeutic/alternative schools in southern New England. Changes in five domains of SSE identified by Zeanah and Schwarz (1996) were examined across adolescents who either: 1) were sexually active at baseline, 2) transitioned to activity during the study, and 3) remained inexperienced at follow-up. In support of the hypothesis that changes in SSE precede onset of experience, youth who transitioned reported higher baseline scores in the Skills domain than those who remained inexperienced. SSE was subsequently impacted by sexual activity, with differences in several domains found at baseline and follow-up across level of experience. Changes in SSE following sexual experience depended, in part, on the percentage of casual partners teens reported.

449 Empowerment of Mentally 111 Clients to Obtain Employment in Kalmunai Region

The current study investigates stability and change in self-esteem among Russian emerging adults. Self-esteem of 1004 undergraduates (Mage = 19.50, SDage = 1.25) was assessed during their bachelor's program (T1). Eight years later, 242 of them took part in an online follow-up (T2). Self-esteem was measured with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. We conducted a longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis with strict measurement invariance constraints. Self-esteem showed substantial mean-level stability and rank-order consistency, both for women and men. No sex differences, effects of parenthood and change in the place of residence were found. Those participants who had had higher self-esteem at T1 were more likely married by T2 compared to singles, and those who cohabited with their partner by T2. Although individual differences in the self-esteem change cannot be excluded, the findings support the idea of self-esteem stability during emerging adulthood, both in the mean-level and rank-order terms.

Self-esteem and delinquency in South Korean adolescents: Latent growth modeling

This study examined the inter-related development of self-esteem and delinquency across three years. Participants were 3449 Korean high school adolescents (age M = 15.8, SD = 0.42, 1725 boys, 1724 girls) from Korea Youth Panel Study (KYPS), in 2005–2007, nationally representative of Korean adolescents. Latent growth modeling was employed for analysis. Results showed that: 1) there were linear growth in self-esteem and delinquency. Moreover, there were significant individual differences in initial level of self-esteem and delinquency, and rate of change in self-esteem and delinquency; 2) the analyses of panel data did not support Kaplan's theory by showing that delinquency was negatively associated with growth in self-esteem among adolescents. Cultural implications are illustrated. Theoretical and practical implications of the results are discussed.

Longitudinal Changes in Physical Self-Perceptions and Associations With Physical Activity During Adolescence

The purpose of this study was to examine adolescents' physical self-perceptions and their associations with physical activity using a longitudinal perspective. Utilizing data from the Physical Activity in Scottish Schoolchildren (PASS) study, changes in exercise self-efficacy, perceived competence, global self-esteem and physical self-worth were assessed among a sample of 641 Scottish adolescents from age 11-15 years. Girls reported lower levels of perceived competence, self-esteem and physical self-worth than boys at each age. Furthermore, girls' physical self-perceptions decreased markedly over time. Among boys, only perceived competence decreased, while global self-esteem increased. Baseline physical activity was a significant predictor of later activity levels for both genders. Findings demonstrate the importance of physical self-perceptions in relation to physical activity behavior among adolescents. Among older boys, high perceived competence increased the odds of being active by 3.8 times. Among older girls, high exercise self-efficacy increased the odds of being active by 5.2 times. There is a need for early interventions which promote increased physical literacy and confidence, particularly among girls.

Exercise-, nature- and socially interactive-based initiatives improve mood and self-esteem in the clinical population

This study evaluated two existing group-based health promotion initiatives (a social club and a swimming group) and compared these to a new green exercise programme (weekly countryside and urban park walks). Participants represented a clinical population (N = 53) and were all experiencing a range of mental health problems. They only attended one of the three programmes and sessions were held once a week for six weeks in all initiatives. Composite questionnaires incorporating two standardized measures to analyse changes in self-esteem and mood were completed before and after all sessions. A significant main effect for self-esteem and mood pre and post activity (p < 0.001) was reported after participating in a single session. The change in self-esteem was significantly greater in the green exercise group compared with the social activities club (p < 0.001). Dose responses showed that both self-esteem and mood levels improved over the six-week period and improvements were related to attendance in the green exercise group. Green exercise as a health-promoting initiative for people experiencing mental ill health is equally as effective as existing programmes. Combining exercise, nature and social components in future initiatives may play a key role in managing and supporting recovery from mental ill health, suggesting a potential 'green' approach to mental healthcare and promotion.

Changes in Life Satisfaction and Self-esteem in Patients with Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis With and Without Surgical Intervention

Pre-/poststudy comparing surgical and nonsurgical treatment. To identify whether orthopedic spinal surgery can effectively improve life satisfaction and self-esteem in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. There have been many studies about the effect of spinal deformity and its various treatments on the mental health of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Scoliosis has been reported to have a negative effect on the life quality and mental health of patients. It has also been reported that no matter what the treatment, the existence of scoliosis is a risk factor for depression. However, there has been no report on whether orthopedic spinal surgery affects the life satisfaction and self-esteem of scoliosis patients. Forty-six patients with Cobb angles of more than 30° were recruited from a group of patients that were treated from January 2007 to August 2007. Twenty-one patients with Cobb angles of more than 40° underwent surgical correction while the remaining patients received regular observation (n = 11) or bracing (n = 14). Self-esteem and life satisfaction were assessed before and approximately 1 year after treatment using previously validated scales. There were no between-group differences in age, sex, or major curve location between the surgically and nonsurgically treated groups. The major curve Cobb angle decreased significantly following treatment in the surgically treated (52° ± 10° to 15° ± 8°, P < 0.001), but not the nonsurgically treated group (37° ± 9° to 39° ± 8°, P = 0.4419) using paired t tests. There were no preintervention between-group differences in life satisfaction (8 ± 1 vs. 7 ± 10); however, preintervention self-esteem scores were significantly higher in the nonsurgically treated group (28 ± 4 vs. 25 ± 3, P = 0.008). Postintervention, both life satisfaction (9 ± 1) and self-esteem (31 ± 2) scores improved significantly (P < 0.05) in the surgically treated, but not the nonsurgically treated group (7 ± 1 and 24 ± 5, respectively). Self-esteem levels decreased significantly in the nonsurgically treated group (P < 0.05) Postintervention self-esteem and life satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the surgically treated than the nonsurgically treated group (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that surgical correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis in eligible patients can lead not only to curve correction, but also to an increase self-esteem and life satisfaction.

Multicentric Observational Studies of Polyherbal Unani Oral &amp; Local Formulations in Cases of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Wajaul Mafasil (Rheumatoid arthritis) has become one of the most pressing global public health problems. In India alone an estimated 1% population is suffering from W M. Wajaul Mafasil which is a future threat to the physical, psychological, social and economic well being of the human beings. It often deprives people of their freedom and independence and can disrupt the lives of family members and other care givers. Physical symptoms of arthritis, pain, loss of joint movement and fatigue puts individuals at higher risk for a variety of other diseases, including premature death, heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, colon cancer, overweight, depression and anxiety. In fact, in its severe forms WM can shorten life expectancy. Psychological stress depression, anger and anxiety often accompany WM. People with WM may experience difficulty in coping with pain and disability which in turn can lead to a feeling of helplessness, lack of self-control and changes in self esteem and self image. Social well-being is also affected by decreased community involvement, difficulties in their work place and in sexual activities. These social problems are often aggravated by lack of understanding and empathy among family members, co-workers, employers, etc. Based on the references available in the Unani Classics the Central Council for Research in Unani Medicine formulated some simple new combination of drugs and subjected them to multicentric trials at Council's institutes. Prior to multicentric trial, preliminary screening was performed at the Regional Research Institute of Unani Medicine, Chennai in the year 1979 in which significant effects and clinical safety was observed. Later, the formulations were modified and multicentric study was undertaken along with some other combinations at Councils centres at Lucknow, Bhadrak, Mumbai, New Delhi, Srinagar and Bangalore. Multidimensional studies covering clinical, pathological, biochemical, physiological, herido-familial aspects in WM patients were studied besides Munzij and Mushil therapy and Hajamat (cupping). Since 1979, 40,000 patients were registered and treated at different centres of the Council. Out of these 8,000 patients fulfilling the research criteria were registered for study. Seven thousand five hundred and twenty-nine patients completed the study in different treatment groups. The cases were diagnosed on the basis of the sign and symptoms as per Unani classification taking in to consideration the involvement different humors, and the stage of the disease etc and correlated with the modern parameters 1987 revised ARA/ACR criteria for rheumatoid arthritis. The cases were classified as per standard criteria of possible, probable, definite and classical stages.

Trajectories of change in self-esteem in older adults: exercise intervention effects.

This 12-month, 2 arm, single blind randomized controlled exercise trial examined relationships among changes in multidimensional self-esteem as a function of intervention mode (i.e., walking vs. flexibility-toning-balance). Data were collected on three equidistant occasions (baseline, 6 and 12 months). One-hundred seventy-nine older adults (M(age) = 66.38) began the study and 145 completed assessments at all time points. Participants completed measures of physical and global self-esteem as well as demographic information. There were no significant group differences at baseline on these demographic indicators or esteem variables. Data were analyzed using linear and parallel process growth modeling procedures. Results supported the position that across both groups, domain-level (i.e., physical self-worth) was dependent upon sub-domain-level (i.e., perceived attractiveness, strength, and condition) esteem change. Furthermore, greater improvements were observed in the flexibility-toning-balance group, in terms of perceived strength and attractiveness esteem, compared to the walking group. Our findings support theoretically-based predictions and extend the literature showing unique psychological responses conditional on specific types of physical activities.

EFFECTS OF COMMUNICATING SUCCESS WITH FRIENDS ON SELF-ESTEEM IN JAPAN AND THE UNITED STATES

This paper reports on a study relevant to the psychology literature on pan-cultural self-enhancement; namely, what are some strategies by which people from non-western cultures raise their self-worth? I conducted an experiment to test hypotheses regarding culturally acceptable means of communicating positive feedback and its effect on changes in self-esteem. Japanese were expected to report elevated feelings of self-worth after receiving positive feedback from a friend, whereas Americans were expected to report higher feelings of self-worth after announcing their own positive feedback (given by an experimenter in front of a friend). One hundred and fifty-seven pairs of friends participated in an experiment in which one friend in each pair was the target of positive feedback from a simulated creativity test (delivered by self or friend). Analyses revealed that culture and source of feedback affected the global self-esteem of the test takers and appearance self-esteem of both the test taker and the friend. Relative to each culture, US Americans’ self-esteem increased after self-delivered feedback, whereas the self-esteem of Japanese increased after feedback announced by a friend. The results highlight appropriate feedback situations leading to positive self-evaluation for Japanese and Americans. Implications for intercultural education are discussed.

간호대학생의 학년 진급에 따른 자아존중감과 리더십의 변화

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the changes of self-esteem and leadership scores in nursing students during two years. Method: The subjects were 233 nursing students in their first year in 2007, and 257 in their third year in 2009. Data were collected 2 times for the same subjects, in 2007 and 2009 respectively, with the same structured questionnaires. Result: Satisfaction for major and interpersonal relationships of nursing students was significantly increased in the third year over the first year. Self-esteem and leadership scores were significantly increased in the third year over the first year (t

Identidad y empoderamiento de mujeres en un proyecto de capacitación

En este trabajo se analizan procesos de cambios identitarios y de empoderamiento en el caso de una vivencia concreta de un grupo de mujeres en el Proyecto de Empoderamiento, 2004, en Celaya, Guanajuato. El objetivo fue conocer el vínculo que se establece entre ambos procesos. Para el análisis se utilizó información proporcionada mediante entrevistas, relatos de vida y observación con siete mujeres promotoras que participaron en los talleres impartidos en Celaya, Guanajuato, quienes se encontraban dentro del programa del fideicomiso estatal ZUMAR-FIDEPO (Zonas Urbano Marginadas-Fideicomiso de Desarrollo Popular). Este programa se encarga de ayudar a habitantes de colonias urbano marginadas a través de identificar sus necesidades y problemas, por medio de promotores (as) comunitarios (as). El Instituto de la Mujer Guanajuatense (IMUG), el Fondo de Naciones Unidas para la Mujer (UNIFEM), y ZUMAR-FIDEPO fueron las instituciones que intervinieron en el proyecto de empoderamiento con el fin de fortalecer el proceso mediante la realización de talleres de capacitación para la formación de promotoras. En el estudio se incluyeron siete de veinte mujeres que participaron en los talleres, las cuales permanecen en el programa estatal realizando distintas labores: capacitan en distintas actividades, dirigen proyectos productivos y son promotoras comunitarias. El análisis se realizó en función del discurso de las protagonistas, lo que ellas dicen de sí mismas y los cambios que detectan en su identidad tomando en cuenta cambios en la autoestima, en el autoconcepto y el ejercicio de formas alternativas al poder autoritario.

The History and Timing of Depression Onset as Predictors of Young Adult Self-Esteem

Depression often emerges early in the lifecourse and is consistently shown to be associated with poor self-esteem. The three main objectives of the current study are to (1) evaluate the association between a history major depression and self-esteem in young adulthood; (2) assess the relationship between timing of depression onset and young adult self-esteem; and (3) help rule out the alternative interpretation that the relationship between major depression and self-esteem is due to state dependence bias stemming from recent depressive symptoms and stressful life events. To address these objectives we use data from a two-wave panel study based on a community sample of young adults in Miami-Dade County, Florida (n = 1,197). Results indicated a history of major depression during sensitive periods of social development is associated with negative changes in self-esteem over a two-year period during the transition to young adulthood. Among those with a history of depression, earlier onset was more problematic than later onset for young adult self-esteem, although the difference disappeared once the level of self-esteem two years prior was controlled. The linkages between the history and timing of depression onset with self-esteem were observed net of recent depressive symptoms and stressful life events, and thus robust to an alternative interpretation of state dependence. The findings support the argument that major depression, especially if it develops earlier during child-adolescent development, has negative consequences for one's self-esteem.