Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
6842749 | Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology | 2018 | 7 Pages |
Abstract
Although the developmental course of self-esteem has been examined in general population samples, there is a lack of research examining the trajectory of self-esteem in populations who experience unique developmental challenges. We compared the trajectory of self-esteem in extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000â¯g) survivors and normal birth weight (NBW) controls from mid-adolescence through their early 30s. Self-esteem was reported during three follow-up periods (age 12-16, age 22-26, age 30-35). Adjusting for sex, chronic health problems, socioeconomic status, and social support, no difference was noted in self-esteem in the two groups in adolescence, but birth weight status predicted rate of change of self-esteem from adolescence to adulthood. The NBW controls showed the expected, normative increases in self-esteem from mid-adolescence to young adulthood, while ELBW individuals displayed stable, relatively low levels of self-esteem into young adulthood. Our findings highlight that ELBW survivors may not experience the normative trajectory of self-esteem into young adulthood.
Related Topics
Social Sciences and Humanities
Psychology
Applied Psychology
Authors
Kristie L. Poole, Louis A. Schmidt, Saroj Saigal, Michael H. Boyle, Katherine M. Morrison, Ryan J. Van Lieshout,