ERIC Number: EJ887612
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010-May
Pages: 9
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-4391
EISSN: N/A
Concurrent and Longitudinal Predictors of Self-Esteem in Elementary and Middle School Girls
Kutob, Randa M.; Senf, Janet H.; Crago, Marjorie; Shisslak, Catherine M.
Journal of School Health, v80 n5 p240-248 May 2010
Background: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of factors related to self-esteem, both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, among 2 cohorts of girls over a period of 4 years, from elementary through middle school. Methods: A multiethnic sample of 656 elementary school girls recruited from 13 schools in Hayward, CA, and Tucson, AZ, was evaluated annually over a 4-year period. The McKnight Risk Factor Survey IV was administered, which consists of 103 questions that assess self-esteem, appearance appraisal, effect of body changes, depressed mood, teasing, school performance, and other factors. In addition, participants' heights and weights were measured. Results: The most important predictor of self-esteem in each grade was appearance appraisal, and, in all grades but the eighth, weight-related teasing by either boys or girls was also a predictor of self-esteem. Teasing about weight was more important than body weight itself in predicting self-esteem. Self-esteem was lower in girls who were teased about their weight, even if they believed that it had no effect on how they felt about themselves. School performance predicted self-esteem in grades 6 and 8. In longitudinal analyses, the participant's current perception of her appearance was more important than her previous level of self-esteem in predicting current self-esteem. Conclusions: The results of this study support the need to allocate funding to address the issue of teasing as 1 of the stressors in the school environment, and to explore further the important relationship between school performance and self-esteem. (Contains 5 tables.)
Descriptors: Body Weight, Females, Risk, Adolescents, Educational Environment, Self Esteem, Elementary School Students, Middle School Students, Longitudinal Studies, Surveys, Self Concept, Interpersonal Attraction, Body Height, Depression (Psychology), Academic Achievement, Correlation, Bullying
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 6; Grade 7; Grade 8; Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Arizona; California
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A