Role of Perceived Social Support on Self-Esteem and Aggression among Adolescents

Abstract

Adolescence period is a critical one in an individual's life. So, the need to study social support as a buffer against negative and psychological problems as aggression and as a key construct in increasing positive psychological outcomes as self-esteem is becoming urgent among adolescents. The aim of the study was to: explore the influencing role of perceived social support on self-esteem and aggression among adolescents. Study design:-descriptive correlational study was used. Settings: This study was conducted at 7 preparatory and secondary governmental schools in Tanta City that were chosen randomly according to Tanta city districts. Subjects: The total number of the study sample was 500 students. It was obtained by multistage random sampling technique from the previously mentioned settings. Study tools: four tools were used; Tool I: Socio-demographic characteristics of the adolescents, Tool II: The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Tool III: Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale and Tool IV: The Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). Results: results pointed out social support have a statistically significant positive role on enhancing self-esteem and reduction of aggression among studied adolescents. Conclusion & Recommendations: adolescents who have proper social support are having high self-esteemed and less liable to develop aggression. So, programs that deal with adolescent self-esteem and aggression have to emphasize on the role of perceived social support.