The Relationship Between Behavioral Problems and Self-Esteem Among Adolescent Children Who Are Deprived of Their Family Environment

Abstract

This study aims at exploring the relationship between behavioral problems and self-esteem among children deprived of family environment in light of some variables. Study sample included a total of (250) boys and girls (121 males and 129 females) divided into two groups. The first of which consists of one hundred and fifty deprived children living in sheltered homes, while the second group has one hundred children residing in normal family households. Both groups are from Amman and Irbid. Three reliable and valid measures were used: Goodman’s Strength and Difficulties of behavioral and emotional problems, Rosenberg’s self-esteem scale, and emotional deprivation core belief-self assessment. Results of the study showed a negative correlation between behavioral problems and self-esteem, and a positive correlation between behavioral problems and emotional deprivation in children deprived of their family environment. No statistically significant differences were found based on gender, age, period, or type of deprivation for the total score of behavioral problems. On all dimensions of the scale, there were no significant differences in behavioral problems between deprived and non-deprived children. However, significant differences were found between the two groups concerning self-esteem in favor of non-deprived children. Furthermore, significant differences were found in emotional deprivation between deprived and non-deprived children in favor of the deprived sheltered group.