Objective
Low self-esteem in adolescents has been associated with a number of risk and protective
factors in previous studies, but results have been mixed. Our objective was to examine
characteristics associated with low self-esteem in a large national sample of young
adolescents.
Methods
We conducted a population-based correlational study. A sample of 6522 adolescents
aged 12 to 16 years was surveyed by phone as part of a national study of media and
substance use. Self-esteem was measured with 3 questions that assessed global self-worth
and physical appearance. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the
relationship between self-esteem and sociodemographics, child personality characteristics,
weight status, daily TV time, parenting style, school performance, and team sports
participation. Interactions among gender, race, and weight status were examined.
Results
In multivariate analysis, female gender, Hispanic race, overweight and obesity, sensation
seeking, rebelliousness, and daily TV time were each independently associated with
lower self-esteem. Teens of black race, with higher parental responsiveness and demandingness,
better school performance, or involvement in team sports were less likely to report
low self-esteem. Black females were at lower risk and Hispanic males were at higher
risk for low esteem than peers of similar gender of other races.
Conclusions
Low self-esteem was associated with a number of modifiable risk factors, including
obesity, TV time, team sports participation, school performance, and parenting style,
that should be discussed with teens and parents at health supervision visits. Further
research examining race and gender-specific factors that serve to moderate risk for
poor self-esteem in adolescents is warranted.
Key Words
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Article Info
Publication History
Published online: June 07, 2010
Accepted:
March 18,
2010
Received:
November 23,
2009
Identification
Copyright
© 2010 Academic Pediatric Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
