Self-esteem and social skills in children from Greater San Miguel de Tucuman, Argentina

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Self-esteem is strongly associated with social skills, since effective interactions influence self-image. The objective was to analyze the relationship between self-esteem and social skills in children from 9 to 11 years old attending public schools in Greater San Miguel de Tucuman, considering age, sex, place of residence and family group. METHODS: A descriptive-correlational study was conducted using a non-probabilistic intentional sampling. A total of 193 children participated, who were administrated a self-esteem scale, a social skills scale and a sociodemographic survey. RESULTS: The perception of low self-esteem was 23% and 16% in family and social fields respectively. Only a weak statistical association was found between general satisfaction perceived and assertive style (r = 0,148, p = 0,04). Children with high self-esteem used both assertive and inhibited styles. Multiple regression analyses showed the relationship between age and social self-esteem, while sex, place of residence and family group were associated with social skills styles. DISCUSSION: No relationship was found between self-esteem and social skills styles, although personal and contextual aspects were associated with these multidimensional variables. Further studies are needed to identify levels of self-esteem in childhood, in order to increase it and reduce the psychopathological risk.