Examination of Self-Esteem among Low-Income Adolescent Students in Austin, Texas
Date
2012-12
Authors
Marek, Jessica C.
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Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this research is two-fold. First, this research explores the impact of four determinants of self-esteem among low-income middle school adolescents. Second, it assesses the extent to which self-esteem of low-income middle school adolescents affects their academic achievements. Methods: Survey research was conducted among low-income adolescents and their parents living in Austin, Texas, to obtain data on self-esteem, race, gender, family structure, and mode of parental communication. Academic performance of each student was obtained from Austin Independent School District and matched with each student's survey data. The data for academic performance consisted of math and reading TAKS scores. Multiple regression analyses were used to test the hypotheses of this research. Results: The results of the multiple regression show that race, family structure, and gender do not have a significant impact on self-esteem. However, positive and negative parental communication and academic performance reveal significant results. Additionally, self-esteem had a significant impact on academic performance.
Description
An Applied Research Project Submitted to the Department of Political Science, Texas State University-San Marcos, in Partial Fulfillment for the Requirements for the Degree of Masters of Public Administration, Fall 2012.
Keywords
self-esteem, middle school children, race, gender, academic performance, family structure, low income, parental relationships, Public Administration
Citation
Marek, J. C. (2012). Examination of self-esteem among low-income adolescent students in Austin, Texas. Masters of Public Administration, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.