A Study of Self-esteem and Stress Coping Skills in Early Adolescence

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between self-esteem and coping skills among middle school students.

Method: The participants were 674 students in three middle schools in GyeongGi-Do. The data were collected from June 10 to 20, 2005. The instruments used were the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale and the Ways of Coping Checklist. The data were analyzed using the SPSS-Win 12.0 program.

Result: Self-esteem showed a significant positive correlation with positive coping skills (r= .162. p= .000). As for the positive coping skills, there was a significant difference by grade (F= 4.69, p= .010), relationship with parent (F=4.036, p= .02), and relationship with siblings (F=3.902, p= .02). As for the negative coping skills, there was a significant difference by grade (F=3.05, p= .04), condition of living with parents (F=3.559, p= .02), economic status (F=3.736, p= .02), relationship with sibling (F=3.408, p= .03), and troubling matters (F=5.422, p= .005).

Conclusion: Positive coping skills may be effective for adjustment because they positively related to self-esteem. Self-esteem and coping skills should be considered when an adolescent’s mental health enhancement program is designed.