Investigating the effect of implementing self-esteem promotion program on academic performance in child labors

Introduction: Many child labors have impaired self-esteem, which leads to poor academic performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of self-esteem promotion program on academic performance in child labors. Methods:In this quasi-experimental study, 60 child labors chidren were selected in two centers for support of cgild labor in Bazar and Khavaran, In the intervention group, enhancing self-esteem (ESE) program were presented at 18 training session. In the control group, only the routine trainings of the centers were given. Data collection tools were Cooper-Smith Self-Esteem Questionnaire and Academic Performance Questionnaire, which were completed before the intervention, immediately, one month after the intervention and three months after the intervention (six months in total) by groups. Results:Most of the children in the intervention and control groups were 13 years old, boys, and have vendor job. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in self-esteem and academic performance scores before the intervention (p > 0.05). The self-esteem and academic performance scores of children in the intervention group was better than the score of children in the control group over time within 6 months of the study (p <0.001). Conclusion:The results of this study showed that the enhancing self-esteem program improves the self-esteem of child labor. In addition, the enhancing self-esteem program promotes children's academic performance.