The Importance of Self-Esteem Among Students

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation of four variables, namely self-confidence, gender, age, and physical appearance, with self-esteem. In order to establish a correlation between each variable, Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs theory was used in this study. Quantitative methods were used in this study and data was collected by administering questionnaires to 400 students from Kolej Universiti Poly Tech Mara Kuala Lumpur. The results showed a significant relationship between self-confidence and selfesteem. Consequently, the study also found a significant relationship between physical appearance, age, and gender in relation to self-esteem. Consequently, this study contributes to the development of Maslow's hierarchy of needs by highlighting the importance of self-esteem and variables associated with students at Kolej Universiti Poly-Tech Mara. Despite a considerable amount of existing literature on the relationship between self-esteem and various variables, the empirical base on tertiary-level students is still insufficient and limited in that it has been dominated by the context of secondary-level students.Therefore, further research is needed to fill this gap and gain a better understanding of the needs and experiences of these students in tertiary education, especially in the Asian region. Secondly, this research has uncovered another gap as most of the research is in the context of developed countries. It is still not clear how students in developing countries enhance their self-esteem. Therefore, the study of the factors that contribute to the self-esteem of tertiary students in the context of Malaysia will present the findings for the developing country.