Self-esteem and behavioral problems of adolescents: the mediating role of school adjustment

Abstract

Identifying factors that affect emotional and behavioral difficulties in adolescents is crucial for ameliorating these conditions and their negative impact as well as reducing the prevalence of these disorders. Self-esteem and school adjustment are two crucial but understudied factors that may significantly influence adolescents' sense of self and propensity to behavioral problems. In this study, 519 adolescents were examined for self-esteem and school adjustment in relation to emotional and behavioral difficulties, using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, School Adjustment Scale, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The majority of students in this study had average or high self-esteem. Multiple regression analysis revealed significant relationships between self-esteem, school adjustment, and behavioral disorders. Furthermore, path analysis showed that school adjustment mediated the association between self-esteem and behavioral problems. Keywords: emotional and Behavioral difficulties, behavioral disorders, self-esteem, school adjustments, adolescents.