Journal of Education and Human Development

Exploring the Utility of Using the Self Esteem Index for Treatment and Outcome Evaluation With Early Adolescents in a Residential Treatment Center
Kenneth M. Coll, Brenda J. Freeman, Nicolas Barclay, Patti Thobro, Nicole Hauser

Abstract
The Self-Esteem Index (SEI) was used to compare the experiences of 24 youth ages 11 to 13, in their scores after they had been in treatment for 6 months. Results indicate that the SEI can be useful in treatment planning and as an outcome assessment. The SEI yielded significantly higher self-esteem scores for participants after 6 months of treatment. Self-esteem in youth consists of feelings and perceptions that one has about his or her own self-worth (Berk, 2002). A positive sense of self-esteem, or self-worth, is an essential part of healthy social-emotional development and it can affect other aspects of a child’s life. One’s sense of self-worth or self-esteem can have a strong influence on behavior, competence, and overall socio-emotional development and psychological adjustment. The development of self-esteem can be viewed as a constructive process (Stetsenko & Arievitch, 1997) whereby individuals learn to define themselves through their own actions and their interaction with others (Rogoff, 1998). In a youth’s life this includes interaction with parents, other family members, teachers, other adults, and other youth. For example, youth with a positive selfperception of their own academic and social competency are more likely to be academic achievers and social leaders than their peers who do not have the same self-perception (Harter, 1988). The development of selfesteem is a life-long process; however, youth between the ages of 11-13 years are at a critical stage in the development of the self. Youth in this age group are beginning to make comparisons between themselves and others, a critical key to self esteem development (Flavell, Miller, & Miller, 2002: Ruble, 1987).

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jehd.v4n3a10