Factors affecting self-esteem and adjustment of adolescents in Southern welfare school

Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between self-esteem and adjustment, and also analyze the influence of factors related to self- esteem and adjustment among adolescents aged 12-18. The subjects of this study are adolescents aged 12 - 18 years who are studying in year 1 to 6 in Southern Welfare School. The sample is 401 students, about 69.3 percent studying in year 1-3. 68.35 percent were female and 65.10 percent were aged 12-15. The majority of adolescents in this study are at a medium level of self-esteem (62.6%) and adjustment (64.8%). 16.7% of students had a high level of self-esteem and 17.5% had a high adjustment score. The study shows a positive relationship between self-esteem and adjustment of adolescents with statistical significance (p=0.01). Adolescents who showed high self- esteem were more likely to have a high adjustment score. Results of multiple regression analysis indicate that variables which show statistically significant relationships with adolescent self-esteem include body image, educational achievement, talent, relationships with guardians, relationships with teachers, and relationships with friends. Variables that influence the adjustment of adolescents with statistical significance are age, body image, relationships with guardians, relationships with friends, school environment, and self-esteem. These variables can be developed to promote self-esteem and adjustment of adolescents in welfare schools. Therefore, the teacher or school should have activities to help the development of self-esteem and adjustment for them. There should be coordination between the welfare school and guardians to support the relationship between guardians and adolescents.