Is there any relationship between self-esteem and mental health status in teenagers?

Abstract

Background: Self-esteem is an important factor in determining the quality of life. There are a few studies about the relationship between self-esteem and mental health status, especially in children and teenagers in Iran. So, the goal of this study was to assess the relationship between self-esteem and mental health status in teenagers. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 172 teenagers between 13-15 years old were participated using multistage sampling method. Information about each student was recorded using Coppersmith self-esteem questionnaire and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). SPSS software was used to analyze the data. Findings: The mean score of teenagers' self-esteem was 68.5 ± 14.9 out of 100, and the mean score of teenagers' mental health disorder was 17.9 ± 11.9 out of 84. There was significant inverse relationship between the teenagers' self-esteem and mental health disorder (P < 0.001, r = -0.627). Conclusion: In general, it can be concluded that self-esteem is related to mental health status in adolescents; person with higher self-esteem will have better mental health status. © 2019, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.