Comparing self-perceived global self-esteem and physical self-esteem among children and adolescents in Southeastern Sweden, investigated in 2000 and 2017

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To compare self-perceived global self-esteem (GSE) and physical self-esteem (PSE) among children and adolescents aged 11 and 14 years in Southeastern Sweden, investigated in 2000 and 2017. Methods The present study consists of two independent cross-sectional study-cohorts from Southeastern Sweden, investigated in 2000 and 2017. The same protocol, procedures, and instruments were used in 2000 and 2017. In October 2000, data for self-perceived GSE and PSE, and anthropometry were collected from 11-years old children (Grade 5) (n=74) and 14-years old adolescents (Grade 8) (n=84). In October 2017, children (n=186) and adolescents (n=140) from the same grade-levels, schools and classrooms provided data for the same variables as in 2000. GSE and PSE were assessed with the Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile (CY-PSPP). Results Self-perceived GSE was higher in 2017 as compared to 2000 among both 11-years old boys (p<0.001) and girls (p<0.001) and 14-years old boys (p=0.008) and girls (p<0.001). Similarly, self-perceived PSE was higher in 2017 as compared to 2000 among both 11-years old boys (p<0.001) and girls (p=0.023) and 14-years old boys (p=0.025) and girls (p=0.002). Conclusions Self-perceived GSE and PSE among children and adolescents aged 11 and 14 years in Southeastern Sweden were higher in 2017 as compared to 2000. These results are not in agreement with the increased psychological ill-health as being reported among children and adolescents during the last decade in Sweden.