Self-esteem and Psychosocial problems among Kashmiri Youth.

ABSTRACT

Background: Adolescence is the most challenging period of life in which most individuals face a lot of difficulties in various areas of life. Some may find the period difficult to handle which often lead to emotional and adjustment problems. Aims: The present study was carried out to explore the impact of self esteem on adolescent problems and their relationship with socio personal characteristics. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study comprising of 300 higher secondary and college students, both male and female. Youth Problem Inventory and Rosenberg’s Self Esteem Scale were administered in groups. Subjects were provided assistance when needed. The data obtained for the variables under study have been subjected to different statistical analysis such as percentage, mean, standard deviation (SD), Pearson’s correlation, T-test, ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc to understand the impact and relationship between the variables. Results: The findings indicated significant negative correlation between self esteem and problem areas. No significant difference was found in self esteem in males and females in urban and rural group. However significant difference was found between rural and urban adolescents in family, school, social and personal problems. Male and female groups differed significantly only in personal problems. Significant difference was found among all the three levels of self esteem and their personal and family problems. Conclusions: Overall findings suggest that rural adolescents suffer more problems than urban adolescents and thus highlight the need of community based mental health care.