relationship between self-esteem, general health and academic achievement in students of Shiraz University of medical sciences

ABSTRACT

Controversial reports are available about the relationship between students' self-esteem, and their academic achievement and general health. Since these reports are mainly based on studies in high school students, this study was performed to determine the relationship between self-esteem, general health and academic achievement in students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. In a cross-sectional study, a sample of 512 students [168 male and 344 female] from 8 schools were randomly selected through multistage random sampling during autumn 2005. Data was gathered by demographic and achievement questionnaire, Copper-Smith inventory [for assessing self-esteem] and Goldberg Health Questionnaire [to assess general health]. The results were analyzed by SPSS-13 using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, t-test, ANOVA and multiple regressions. The mean score and standard deviation for self-esteem were 17.6 +/- 4.6 [out of 25], for general health were 20.9 +/- 4.13[out of 84] and average grade point was 15.6 +/- 1.6 [out of 20]. There were no significant correlations between self-esteem, and achievement. A significantly negative correlation between self-esteem and general health was seen [r = -0.59]. However, the difference between probationary and non-probationary students in terms of self-esteem and general health was significant. Predictive factors for grade point average were sex, residence, and being in probation. There was not a strong correlation between students' academic achievement and their general health and self-esteem, but, self-esteem and general health were correlated. It seems that students' academic achievement is influenced by other factors