Özet:

In this study, it was aimed to determine self–esteem and depression levels and affecting factors among 12–17 years old students and affecting factors. The study was performed in elementary schools and high schools in Kargı district centre of Çorum in 2009. It was planned to include 823 students who study at the 6 – 8thgrades of the elementary schools and 9 – 11thgrades of the high schools in the study area. The study was completed with 622 students. The data were collected with a questionnaire, Children Depression Scale and Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory. One-way ANOVA (post hoc Tukey), independent samples t test and Pearson correlation analysis were used for statistical analyses.Of the study group, 47.7 % were female and 52.3 % of were male, 73.0 % were attending at junior elementary schools and 27.0 % at high schools. It was found out that the most prevalent problem between the students and their parents was studying. The mean depression score of the study group was found 13.3±7.3 and the mean self–esteem score 33.3±8.1. It was established that education level of the parents, number of siblings, birth order, economic level of the family, relations with the friends, perceived health status, perceived body weight status and weight satisfaction have affected self–esteem and depression levels significantly. Children living in pressurizing families had high depression and low selfesteem levels. A strong negative correlation was found between self – esteem and depression scores.The guidance and counselling services in the schools should be activated, self–esteem levels of the students should be strengthened and the students having high probability of depression should be encouraged to consult physician

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