Improving Self-Esteem and Building Self-Confidence in Adolescent Mothers

Implementation of Self-Efficacy–Focused Activity Sessions

Kim, Laura M. DNP, PNP-PC
Manion, Amy B. PhD, PNP-PC

Dr. Kim is Pediatric Hospitalist, Urgent Care/Emergency Department, Guam Regional Medical City, Dededo, Guam; and Dr. Manion is Assistant Professor, Rush University, College of Nursing, Chicago, Illinois.

The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

Address correspondence to Amy B. Manion, PhD, PNP-PC, Assistant Professor, Rush University, College of Nursing, 600 S. Paulina Street, Chicago, IL 60612; e-mail: [email protected].

Received October 23, 2018

Accepted February 27, 2019

Journal of Psychosocial Nursing & Mental Health Services 57(8):p 11-15, August 01, 2019. | DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20190528-04

Adolescent mothers have been shown to have lower self-esteem than nonparenting adolescents. The purpose of the current clinical project was to explore the feasibility of adopting a school-based support group model to provide education and skills for increasing self-esteem and self-confidence among adolescent mothers using self-efficacy–focused activity sessions. This project took place at an alternative public school for pregnant and/or parenting female adolescents. Participants attended self-efficacy–focused activity sessions, and completed the General Self-Efficacy Scale. Increased confidence in finding solutions demonstrated statistical correlation with the number of sessions attended. Development of positive self-esteem and self-confidence remain important concerns during the adolescent period. Implementing self-efficacy activities in a school-based setting is one potential approach to improving self-esteem. Further exploration into ways to foster positive mental health and build confidence in adolescents is recommended. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 57(8), 11–15.]