Trajectories of self-esteem in extremely low birth weight survivors through adulthood

Publication date: May–June 2018Source: Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology, Volume 56Author(s): Kristie L. Poole, Louis A. Schmidt, Saroj Saigal, Michael H. Boyle, Katherine M. Morrison, Ryan J. Van LieshoutAbstractAlthough the developmental course of self-esteem has been examined in general population samples, there is a lack of research examining the trajectory of self-esteem in populations who experience unique developmental challenges. We compared the trajectory of self-esteem in extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 g) survivors and normal birth weight (NBW) controls from mid-adolescence through their early 30s. Self-esteem was reported during three follow-up periods (age 12–16, age 22–26, age 30–35). Adjusting for sex, chronic health problems, socioeconomic status, and social support, no difference was noted in self-esteem in the two groups in adolescence, but birth weight status predicted rate of change of self-esteem from adolescence to adulthood. The NBW controls showed the expected, normative increases in self-esteem from mid-adolescence to young adulthood, while ELBW individuals displayed stable, relatively low levels of self-esteem into young adulthood. Our findings highlight that ELBW survivors may not experience the normative trajectory of self-esteem into young adulthood.

Source: Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology - July 5, 2018 Category: Child Development Source Type: research