Self-esteem and academic achievement in 7 and 8 year old Maltese pupils

Abstract

The aims of the present study were to investigate academic ability differences on self-esteem. This study also sought to investigate the relationship between sex, age, family size, fathers' occupation and the students' self-esteem. Measures of self-esteem were obtained through an instrument which was constructed and administered by the present authors. A sample of 72 students (36 boys and 36 girls) in year 3 and 4, of a primary school were selected by the class teachers. The following data were gathered: self-esteem measures, academic achievement measures, family size and father's occupation. Normative data for the two age groups under investigation were provided. The female students obtained higher self-esteem scores than the male students. Positive relationships existed between academic achievement and scores in self-esteem. No significant evidence was found to support a relationship between age and high scores in self-esteem, however a relationship was found between age and low self-esteem, favouring older students and low self-esteem scores. A positive relationship was obtained between fathers' occupations and the child's self-esteem, while a negative relationship was detected between family size and self-esteem.