Determinants of self-esteem among children in Jordan

Abstract

Self-esteem is an important factor affecting personality development. School-aged children can have lower self-esteem levels compared to people of other age groups and it can be influenced by several factors which vary across cultures. This study aimed to assess self-esteem and examine its determinants among school-aged students in Jordan. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used. Thirty-six schools were selected to recruit 2,100 students from the three cities that have the highest population in Jordan (Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa). Students answered the demographic characteristics checklist and Self-esteem was assessed using the Arabic Version of Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Standard multiple regression was used to find out the determinants of self-esteem among school students. The results showed that the mean self-esteem was 22.96 ± 2.46 for all students. Almost, 34% of the variance in self-esteem was explained by the weight of the student (increased weight predicted a decrease in self-esteem); number of siblings; height; age (increased number of siblings, increased height and increased age predicted an increase in self-esteem) educational program (international program students had higher self-esteem); and sex (males had higher self-esteem). Schools can consider physical activity, healthy eating habits, and weight management awareness programs for their students.