Self-esteem and Guidelines for Developing Self-esteem among the Elderly, Yala City Municipality, Yala Province

Abstract

            This mixed-method research aimed to study the levels of self-esteem, personal factors associated with self-esteem and implications for improving self-esteem among elderly people. The two processes were performed simultaneously comprised: 1) studying the levels and personal factors associated with the self-esteem. 368 participants were recruited by using utilizing stratified and simple random sampling methods. Personal information and self-esteem levels were collected through survey questionnaire as the research instrument. The reliability of the instrument was 0.82. The collected data were analyzed using percentage, frequency distribution, and Chi – Square test 2) studying the implications for developing the level of self-esteem among elderly. The data was collected from 10 elderly in Yala municipality, Yala province, and 10 health personnel working in the field of elderly health promotion. These participants were selected based on purposive sampling method. In-depth interview was used for data collection and analyzed using content analysis. The results of the study found that

1. The level of self-esteem was high (M=3.70, SD=0.52). Also, educational level, source of income, sufficient income, and awareness of the current health status were significantly associated with the level of self-esteem among elders.
2. Self-esteem among elderly could be improved with physical, mental, social, and environmental supports. These supports, nevertheless, need to be suited according to the types of elderly people and their personal, cultural, as well as social contexts.

            Finally, authorities should take an action on promoting health, and adequate household incomes. The relevant activities should be appropriated with the personal, cultural, and social contexts of the elderly.