Factors related to self-esteem among students of River John Consolidated School (junior high school level)

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to explore the factors related to self-esteem among junior high school students of selected schools. To identify the level of self-esteem, junior high school students were chosen from a rural area to participate in this study. The results of the rural sample were then compared to the results of an urban sample, completed in 1985 by Phil Cassidy of the North York Board of Education, North York, Ontario.

A Junior High Student Questionnarie was developed to provide biographical information about the rual respondents. The eight-item instrument required responses to the following: (1) Personal information (sex, grade, age); (2) Living arrangements; (3) Marital status of parents; (4) Number of siblings; (5) Father's employment; (6) Mother's employment; (7) Average grade last year; (8) Future plans. The students were asked to check the appropriate space on the Questionnaire.

The North York Self-Concept Inventory: Junior High/Middle School Level was utilized. The 25-item instrument was designed to examine aspects of self-esteem related to the school environment, self and peer. The items were declarative statements of self-concept rquiring "true" and "not true" responses. One point was given for each response which indicated a positive self-concept. The scores in the inventory can range from a minimum of 0 to a maximum of 25. (Abstract shortened)