Change and associated factors of self-esteem among children in rural China: A two-year longitudinal study

Abstract

Childhood has been targeted as an especially important period for self-esteem formation. The aim of this study is to examine the change and associated factors of self-esteem among children in rural China. A two-year longitudinal study was conducted with a general elementary and secondary school population in Anhui Province, China including 816 children aged between 7 and 16 years. Generalized estimating equation (GEE) was used to examine relationships between low self-esteem and socio-demographic, family environment, and psychosocial factors. On average, self-esteem level among children was increased across three assessments. Multivariable analysis (GEE) showed that low self-esteem in children was clearly associated with male gender (OR = 1.45, 95%CI = 1.12–1.89), moderate and severe family dysfunction (OR = 1.88, 95%CI = 1.40–2.51; OR = 1.88, 95%CI = 1.25–2.83, respectively), quality of life (OR = .97, 95%CI = .96–.98), depression (OR = 1.89, 95%CI = 1.32–2.70), anxiety (OR = 2.05, 95%CI = 1.51–2.77), positive coping styles (OR = .91, 95%CI = .89–.94), and negative coping styles (OR = 1.05, 95%CI = 1.03–1.07). Self-esteem is a dynamic rather than a static construct during childhood. Low self-esteem among children was associated with a number of socio-demographic, family environment, and psychosocial factors. Further studies exploring the pathways and mechanisms by which the effect of these factors impact on self-esteem among children are warranted.

Keywords:

• self-esteem
• children
• left-behind
• family function

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Acknowledgment

We would like to particularly thank the children who gave of their time to participate in the project.

Additional information

Funding

Funding. This study was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China [grant number 81172763].