J Korean Acad Nurs.  2010 Jun;40(3):367-377. 10.4040/jkan.2010.40.3.367.

Comparison of the Factors Influencing Children's Self-esteem between Two Parent Families and Single Parent Families

• Sok SR
• Shin SH

• KMID: 987584
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2010.40.3.367

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study was done to compare factors influencing children's self-esteem between two parent families and single parent families.
METHODS
The participants were 692 children aged 11 to 13 yr (388 in two parent families and 304 in single parent families) recruited from 20 community agencies and 5 elementary schools in Gyeonggi Province and Seoul City, South Korea. Data were collected from May to July, 2007 using a survey questionnaire containing items on self-esteem, internal control, problematic behavior, school record, family hardiness, parent-child communication and social support. The data were analyzed using SPSS 15.0 program and factors affecting children's self-esteem were analyzed by stepwise multiple regression.
RESULTS
Scores for the study variables were significantly different between the two groups. The factors influencing children's self-esteem were also different according to family type. For two parent families, internal control, problematic behavior, school record, and parent-child communication significantly predicted the level of self-esteem (adjusted R2=.505, p<.001). For single parent families, social support, family hardiness, internal control, problematic behavior, school record, and parent-child communication significantly predicted the level of self-esteem (adjusted R2=.444, p<.001).
CONCLUSION
Nurse working with children should consider family type-specific factors influencing their self-esteem.

Keyword

Single parent family; Child; Self-esteem; Schools

MeSH Terms

Adolescent
Adolescent Behavior
*Adolescent Psychology
Child
Child Behavior
Communication
Educational Status
Female
Humans
Male
Parent-Child Relations
Questionnaires
*Self Concept
*Single-Parent Family
Social Support