Health, wealth and honesty: perceptions of self-esteem in primary- aged children

Author: Byrne Jenny  

Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing Ltd

ISSN: 0965-4283

Source: Health Education, Vol.99, Iss.3, 1999-03, pp. : 95-102

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Abstract

This paper is based upon a small-scale research project, which investigates the factors which primary-aged schoolchildren perceive as causes of high and low self-esteem. The findings indicate that schools may need to emphasise factors other than academic performance in order to raise pupils' self-esteem. The research was undertaken in a class of 32 year-five children using the Draw and Write technique. The findings show that the children perceive multiple factors affecting their self-esteem. Health issues, especially aspects of mental health, were considered very important factors in determining levels of self-esteem. The research also showed that children are affected by the desire to improve their social status and consider this a way of increasing their self-esteem. Affluence and the acquisition of material possessions were considered important avenues for increasing social status.