Self-esteem and self-concept of pre-secondary students in the districts of Cerro Silvestre, El Chumical, and Veracruz, in the province of West Panama

Abstract

The present study aimed to understand how the social and family environment can affect the self-concept and self-esteem of lower secondary students. The research design was quantitative, non-experimental, and descriptive, focused on measuring and objectively analyzing the psychological perceptions of participants without manipulating the variables. The population consisted of adolescents aged 12 to 15 years, and the sample included 22 students residing in the districts of Cerro Silvestre, El Chumical, and Veracruz, located in Panama Oeste province. The main variables were self-esteem and self-concept, assessed using a Likert-type questionnaire designed in Google Forms, which allowed for the quantitative collection of personal, social, and academic self-perceptions. The findings revealed that most adolescents show moderately positive levels of self-esteem and self-concept, although some expressed feelings of insecurity or self-devaluation influenced by their social environment. It is concluded that family relationships and social experiences significantly affect adolescents’ self-perception and emotional well-being. Therefore, educational and psycho-affective strategies should be strengthened to promote self-acceptance and holistic development during this stage of growth.