The relationship between self-esteem and overall health behaviors in Korean adolescents

It is known that self-esteem influences health behaviors, but the number of studies examining the association between self-esteem and overall health behaviors including physical, psychological, and social behaviors among Asian adolescents is limited. This cross-sectional study included middle school students (n = 667, 67.5% boys, 31.6% girls) in Bucheon, Korea. The participants completed self-report questionnaires on self-esteem (using Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale), and overall health behaviors. Results indicated that self-esteem was positively associated with satisfaction with school life and academic grades, and perceived health status. Suicidal ideation and satisfaction with peer relationships were significantly associated with self-esteem in multivariate regression analysis. These results should be considered in the establishment of health policies and the content of programs to improve adolescents’ health outcomes.