Self-esteem levels in psychology students during the transition to university
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66327/rci.v4i2.78Keywords:
Self-esteem, psychological well-being, university students, first year, higher educationAbstract
Introduction/Objectives: Self-esteem is a relevant psychological resource in academic and personal adjustment during the transition to higher education. This study aimed to identify the level of self-esteem among first-year students enrolled in the Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology at a private university in Panama City during the A-2025 academic term.
Method: A quantitative approach with a descriptive, non-experimental, cross-sectional design was used. The sample consisted of 118 students selected through non-probability convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, which showed acceptable internal consistency in this sample (α = .73).
Results: Results indicated that 66.95% of students reported high self-esteem, 24.58% medium self-esteem, and 8.47% low self-esteem. No statistically significant differences were found in self-esteem levels according to sex. Item-level analysis revealed the presence of a subgroup of students with expressions of self-criticism and doubts about personal worth.
Conclusions: It is concluded that most first-year students show a positive self-evaluation, which represents a psychological resource for university adjustment. However, findings highlight the need for psychological support strategies targeting students with medium and low self-esteem.
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