Authors:
Frankie Subon, Management and Science University, Malaysia
Norseha Unin, Universiti Teknologi MARA Sarawak, 94300 Kota Samarahan, Malaysia
Nor Hafisah Binti Sulaiman, Management and Science University, Malaysia
Email: frankjaring2013@gmail.com
Published: December 12, 2020
https://doi.org/10.22492/ijpbs.6.1.03
Citation: Subon, F., Unin, N., & Sulaiman, N. H. B. (2020). Self-Esteem and Academic Achievement: The Relationship and Gender Differences of Malaysian University Undergraduates. IAFOR Journal of Psychology & the Behavioral Sciences, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.22492/ijpbs.6.1.03
Abstract
A positive correlation between self-esteem and academic achievement is often noted in the literature on educational psychology. As such, self-esteem and academic achievement are often inter-related. Additionally, gender is believed to have an impact on an individual’s self-esteem and varied disparities are found in self-esteem level between genders. The relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement among undergraduates in Malaysia, is still understudied and the lack of literature necessitates an empirical study. Hence, this study explored the relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement among undergraduates of a private university in Malaysia. Also, it investigated if there is any significant difference in self-esteem and academic achievement between genders. A convenience sampling method was employed on 60 male and 60 female undergraduates of TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) program. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire was utilized to obtain the data on the participants’ self-esteem and their Grade Point Average (GPA). Data analysis using Spearman’s rho correlation revealed a significant relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement. Based on the Chi-square test result, a significant difference in academic achievement between male and female students was established. However, the independent t-test result revealed an absence of significant difference in self-esteem between male and female students. The findings demonstrate essential implications for students, counselors, and educators, and suggest relevant recommendations for future research. A larger sample size should be employed, and other important demographic variables should be explored to examine more in-depth into this interesting field of study.
Keywords
academic achievement, correlation, gender differences, self-confidence, self-esteem
Erratum: December 22, 2020: Norseha Unin's affiliation was corrected (second author).