Photographic enhancement of children's self-esteem

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to enhance children's self-esteem through a five week self-photography project which provided each child in the experimental group with 60 pictures of himself in different, poses. Control grou subjects were provided with self-photographs at the end of the project. Fourti grade children were selected for both low subjective self-esteem and low behavioral self-esteem using the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory and Behavior Rating Form. After five weeks of photography sessions, the Self-Esteem Inventory and Behavior Rating Forms were re-administered and preand posttest results were compared. The experimental procedure resulted in a significant increase in behavioral self-esteem for the experimental group, but no change in subjective self-esteem. Results were discussed in terms of Coopersmith's theory of genuine vs. defensive self-esteem, with the speculation that the change in behavioral self-esteem reflected an increase in genuine selfesteem. 400 N. Maple St., Murfreesboro, Tenn. 37130.&quests for reprints should be sent to Mary S. Ammerman, Murfreesboro City Schools,

Age and Birth Cohort Differences in Self-Esteem: A Cross-Temporal Meta-Analysis

“…The promoters of the self-esteem movement encouraged school districts to take self-esteem seriously, arguing that low self-esteem underlies everything from teen pregnancy to gang violence. Based on this premise, many school districts implemented programs designed to bolster students' self-esteem (e.g., Ammerman & Fryrear, 1975;Blume, 1989;Outwater, 1990;Swann,-1996; for a review, see Haney & Durlak, 1998). The programs emphasized self-worth in a very general way, encouraging students to feel "special" and "applaud themselves" (Seligman, 1995).…”

Effect of a Group Counseling Program With Phototherapy on Enhancing the Self-Perception and Self-Esteem of Female Middle School Students

“…(J.-H. Choi, 2008) . , (Ammerman & Fryrear, 1975;G.-H. Han, 2015;Kang, 2012;Y. H. Lee & Park, 2013) .…”

Evaluation of an Affective Education Curriculum: Sex and Treatment Effects

“…In his review of values clarification approaches to affective education, Lockwood (1978) concluded that although four of the six studies measuring self-esteem have reported positive findings, all four have such serious methodological weaknesses that their conclusions cannot be trusted. Other approaches to affective education have also failed to demonstrate positive effects on children's self-esteem (Altmann & Firnesz, 1973;Ammerman & Fryrear, 1975;Calsyn et al, 1980;Eldridge et al, 1973;Purkey, 1969).…”