The Impact of Extracurricular Involvement on Self-Esteem and General Well-Being

The Impact of Extracurricular Involvement on Self-Esteem and General Well-Being

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between extracurricular involvement (EI), self-esteem (SE), and general well-being (GWB) in university students. Questionnaires were given to a sample of male and female university students which included demographic questions, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the General Well-Being Schedule. The results showed that there was no relationship between extracurricular involvement and self-esteem for the participants used in this study. Due to unequal sample sizes, the analysis for general well-being could not be conducted. Based on these findings it shows that for university students, at least this particular sample, extracurricular involvement was not a factor in determining their self-esteem. Therefore, how involved these students are does not shape how they feel about themselves and so other factors must be at play.

        Keywords: extracurricular involvement, activities, self-esteem, general well-being

The Impact of Extracurricular Involvement on Self-Esteem and General Well-Being

        The way an individual feels about themselves can greatly impact various areas of their life and so understanding the influences on that self-identity and happiness is of much importance. The aim of this research was to look at the relationship between extracurricular involvement and self-esteem, as well as extracurricular involvement and general well-being. Most of the research conducted in this area uses elementary or high school students and so this study aimed to extend that research into university students (young adults). The abundance of past research demonstrated the importance of involvement outside of academic settings on the self-esteem and well-being of elementary and high school students, especially how specific types of activities influenced males and females in different ways. Thus, this research hoped to discover if encouraging involvement throughout life, rather than just in younger years, would be of benefit to these students.

Literature Review

Due the fact that adolescence is a time of “rapid change in the self-picture” much research has been done looking at the influences on that picture and how one views the self (Brennan, 1985). Through past research it is evident that extracurricular involvement is a context aside from school and family that adolescents can use to define themselves (Barber, Eccles & Stone, 2001). It seems to be that once adolescents start to enter into adulthood, research on them diminishes. Therefore, understanding the continuation or disconnection between adolescent and young adult self-esteem and well-being influences is imperative.