Investigation of self-esteem and emotional self-efficacy levels in adolescence

In this research, the relationship between self-esteem of adolescents and levels of emotional self-efficacy and whether these variables change according to some socio-demographic characteristics were investigated. The study universe is consisted of students who are studying in different types of schools in Gaziemir district of Izmir province in the 2011-2012 academic year. The sample of the study, including 158 girls and 142 boys, is a total of 300 students. As a measurement tool in the research, Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (Short Form), Emotional Self-Efficacy Scale and Personal Information Form prepared by the researcher were used. The data gathered during the study was analyzed by using "SPSS for Windows 15:00" statistical package program. When the normality distribution requirement was provided, the data was analyzed by Independent sample t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA); however, when it was not provided, the data was analyzed by Mann-Whitney U test and the technique of Kruskal-Wallis. According to research findings, it was found that there are statistically significant positive relationships between adolescents' self-esteem and emotional self-efficacy levels. Moreover, it was identified that there are positive relationships between self-esteem and sub-dimensions of emotional self-efficacy scale (editing feelings, using emotions as supportive to thinking, understanding emotions, sensing emotions). It was found that the mean scores of adolescents' self-esteem differed according to the perceived attitude of the mother and father, perceived economic status, getting expert assistance (psychological support), being loved by his friends, self-esteem and being satisfied with his life. It was found that the mean scores of adolescents' self-esteem did not differ according to type of school that they studied, the number of siblings, the order of children in the family, academic success, the educational background of the mother and father. It was shown that emotional self-efficacy levels of the adolescents showed differences according to the gender, type of school that they studied, the educational background of the father, being loved by his friends, self-esteem and being satisfied with his life. However, it was stated that emotional self-efficacy levels of the adolescents did not show any differences according to the number of siblings, the order of children in the family, academic success, the perceived attitude of the mother and father, the educational background of the mother, perceived economic status and getting expert assistance (psychological support). In the research, it was also investigated that whether the mean scores taken from the sub-dimensions of emotional self-efficacy scale differ or not. Keywords: Adolescent, self-esteem, emotional self-efficacy