J Korean Acad Nurs. 2010 Jun;40(3):367-377. Korean.
Published online Jun 30, 2010.
Copyright © 2010 Korean Society of Nursing Science
Original Article

Comparison of the Factors Influencing Children's Self-esteem between Two Parent Families and Single Parent Families

Sohyune R Sok,1 and Sung Hee Shin2
    • 1Assistant Professor, College of Nursing Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
    • 2Adjunct Professor, College of Nursing Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
Received January 26, 2010; Accepted May 25, 2010.

Abstract

Purpose

This study was done to compare factors influencing children's self-esteem between two parent families and single parent families.

Methods

The participants were 692 children aged 11 to 13 yr (388 in two parent families and 304 in single parent families) recruited from 20 community agencies and 5 elementary schools in Gyeonggi Province and Seoul City, South Korea. Data were collected from May to July, 2007 using a survey questionnaire containing items on self-esteem, internal control, problematic behavior, school record, family hardiness, parent-child communication and social support. The data were analyzed using SPSS 15.0 program and factors affecting children's self-esteem were analyzed by stepwise multiple regression.

Results

Scores for the study variables were significantly different between the two groups. The factors influencing children's self-esteem were also different according to family type. For two parent families, internal control, problematic behavior, school record, and parent-child communication significantly predicted the level of self-esteem (adjusted R2=.505, p<.001). For single parent families, social support, family hardiness, internal control, problematic behavior, school record, and parent-child communication significantly predicted the level of self-esteem (adjusted R2=.444, p<.001).

Conclusion

Nurse working with children should consider family type-specific factors influencing their self-esteem.

Keywords
Single parent family; Child; Self-esteem; Schools

Tables

Table 1
General Characteristics and Homogeneity between Two Parent Families and Single Parent Families (N=692)

Table 2
Differences in Level of Children's Self-esteem and Independent Variables between Two groups (N=692)

Table 3
Correlation between Independent Variables and Self-esteem in Two Groups

Table 4
Comparison of Factors Influencing Children' Self-esteem in Two Groups

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