Self-esteem, self-concept, self-talk and significant others' statements in fifth grade students: Differences according to gender and school type

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate (1) how the perceptions of 5(th) grade teachers about the self-esteem of their students, and 5(th) grade students' perceptions of statements made by significant others about themselves, their self-concept and self-talk differ with respect to gender of students and type of school (private or state elementary school) they attend; and (2) how these students' self-esteem perceived by their teachers, and their self-concept, positive and negative self-talk as perceived by themselves relate to their significant others' statements in private and state elementary schools. The study results revealed a significant difference in the self-esteem of the students with respect to school type but not with respect to gender. Negative statements made by significant others, however, were significantly different for male and female students. Self-reported positive self-talk, positive statements of adults and peers, and negative statements of siblings and peers, and teacher-reported self-esteem were significantly higher for students from private elementary school. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.