An investigation of the relationship between self-concept, self-esteem, and academic achievement of students in the nursing-midwifery faculty in Qaen during 2012-13 academic year

The main task of the educational system is to prepare students to acquire knowledge, and cognitive and occupational skills to enter social settings. Therefore, it is very important to consider the factors contributing to the student's academic achievement. The present study was conducted to determine the relationship between self-concept, self-esteem, and academic achievement of students in the nursing-midwifery faculty in Qaen. This study was a descriptive-analytic one. The population included all the nursing and midwifery students in Qaen (2012-13 academic year) who were selected through census sampling. In order to collect data, the Ellis-Poop’s self-esteem scale and Rogers’ self-concept scale were used. Student's overall score were considered as their overall academic success. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (Pearson Correlation Coefficient and Independent t test) were used to analyze the data in SPSS (version 14). The mean score of student's self-esteem was 66.9 ±13.4, and the actual and the ideal self-esteem of students were 4.75±0.55 and 5.31± 0.82 respectively. There was a significantly positive relationship between self-concept and self-esteem, and academic achievement of students. This study showed that student's high self-concept and self-esteem is related to their academic achievements. Therefore, it is necessary for authorities and professors to pay special attention to student's self-concept and self-esteem. They should try to strengthen the students’ positive attitude and remove any negative attitude toward themselves.