“A Comparative Study to Assess the Social Anxiety and Self-Esteem Between Urban and Rural Adolescents Studying at Selected High Schools of Bagalkot District,” Karnataka, India.

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence is a stage of development from puberty to legal adulthood. Adolescents with mental health conditions face challenges like social exclusion, discrimination, stigma, and educational difficulties. Social anxiety, a common disorder in children and adolescents, includes discomfort in social and performance situations. Self-esteem is the overall positive evaluation of oneself, linked to self-image and self-awareness.

Objectives: To assess the social anxiety and Self-esteem among Urban and Rural adolescents. To compare the social anxiety and self-esteem among Urban and Rural adolescents.

Methods: A sample of 120 adolescents, aged 13-16, were selected using Disproportional stratified sampling. The data was collected using Kutcher's generalized social anxiety disorder scale and Rosenberg's self-esteem scale for Adolescents. Statistical analysis was carried out using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: After assessing social anxiety among urban and rural adolescents study shows that mean score among urban adolescents is (x̄=19.4, S. D=7.846) and in rural adolescents is (x̄=26.8, S. D=7.904). Self-esteem among urban and rural adolescents study shows that mean score among urban adolescents is (x̄=16.6, S. D=2.37) and in rural adolescents is (x̄=16.2, S.D =2.53).

Conclusions: The research shows a weak positive correlation between social anxiety and self-esteem. Rural adolescents show higher levels of social anxiety compared to urban adolescents. Additionally, self-esteem is lower among rural adolescents than urban adolescents.