A Descriptive Study to Assess the Level of Self-Esteem and Its Association with Selected Socio-Demographic Variables Among High School Children in Selected Schools in Siwan, Bihar

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a pivotal developmental phase where self-esteem serves as a core determinant of emotional resilience, academic achievement, and social adaptation. In semi-urban and rural regions, understanding baseline self-esteem levels and their socio-demographic influences is critical for designing targeted school mental health interventions.

Objectives: To assess the existing levels of self-esteem & to determine the statistical association between levels of self-esteem and selected socio-demographic variables.

Methods: A quantitative descriptive survey design was conducted among  high school students (8th and 9th standards, aged 13–15 years) in selected schools of Siwan, Bihar. Participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique (lottery method). Data were collected using a structured Socio-Demographic Proforma and the standardized Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Data were analysed using SPSS with descriptive statistics and inferential statistics, with the significance threshold set at .

Results: The findings revealed that a majority of the students—60% demonstrated a moderate level of self-esteem, 30% exhibited low self-esteem, and only 10% possessed high self-esteem. Inferential analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between self-esteem levels and two socio-demographic factors: Family Type ( ) and Area of Permanent Residence ( ). Students residing in joint family structures and semi-urban localities exhibited higher self-esteem scores compared to their peers from nuclear families or rural backgrounds. Other socio-demographic variables showed no statistically significant association ( ).

Conclusion: A substantial proportion (30%) of high school adolescents in rural Bihar experience low self-esteem, which is significantly influenced by immediate family structure and residential environment rather than monetary income or gender.