Self esteem of children with specific speech and language difficulties

Abstract

This study examines the self esteem of children with specific speech and language impairment. A sample of 69 children was first identified in Year 3. The present study focuses on their self esteem as measured by the Self Perception Profile for Children when the children were in Years 6 and 7. Data are presented for the children’s self perception and for teachers’ perceptions on the same dimensions. The children with SSLD had lower ratings of scholastic competence than typically developing peers, and teachers in Year 6, but not Year 7, rated the children significantly lower on these two dimensions than the children rated themselves. Comparisons between measures at Year 3, 6 and 7 revealed substantial continuities for both children’s and teachers’ perceptions between Year 6 and 7, and for teachers from Year 3 to Years 6 and 7. The results are interpreted with reference to theories of self esteem and the educational needs of children with SSLD.