The Relationship between Self-esteem, General Health and Academic Achievement in Students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: Controversial reports are available about the relationship between students’ self-esteem, and their academic achievement and general health. Since these reports are mainly based on studies in high school students, this study was performed to determine the relationship between self-esteem, general health and academic achievement in students of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a sample of 512 students (168 male and 344 female) from 8 schools were randomly selected through multistage random sampling during autumn 2005. Data was gathered by demographic and achievement questionnaire, Copper-Smith inventory (for assessing self-esteem) and Goldberg Health Questionnaire (to assess general health). The results were analyzed by SPSS-13 using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, t-test, ANOVA and multiple regressions. Results: The mean score and standard deviation for self-esteem were 17.6±4.6 (out of 25), for general health were 20.9±4.13(out of 84) and average grade point was 15.6±1.6 (out of 20). There were no significant correlations between self-esteem, and achievement. A significantly negative correlation between self-esteem and general health was seen (r=-0.59). However, the difference between probationary and non-probationary students in terms of self-esteem and general health was significant. Predictive factors for grade point average were sex, residence, and being in probation. Conclusion: There was not a strong correlation between students’ academic achievement and their general health and self-esteem, but, self-esteem and general health were correlated. It seems that students’ academic achievement is influenced by other factors.