Improving Self-Esteem

A College Days program sponsored by the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Maryland System (MCES) offered Extension faculty an opportunity to educate people about improving self-esteem. College Days, an annual, three-day education mini-vacation, provides learning experiences on societal issues currently affecting individuals and families.

The College Days planning committee grouped all classes on self-worth and self-actualization into the ed-ucational track, "Focus on You." A subcommittee of six Extension home economists and the state human devel-ment specialist determined class topics. Fourteen classes were offered, with Extension home economists and human development professionals as instructors.

The "Focus on You" track was selected by 143 men and women. In an effort to promote team spirit, the participants were given a T-shirt printed with the logo "A New You" to wear during class. Existing attitudes about participants' self-worth were determined by a pre-test with a five-point Likert Scale. As a final project, all participants developed an individualized plan for self- improvement they continued to work on at home. Results were reported in a six-month, follow-up evaluation.

The pre-test was completed by 113. Two out of 10 valued themselves positively at the beginning of the three-day track. Six months later, the follow-up survey, which was answered by 40% of the total enrollment, indicated an increase to six out of 10 respondents.

Nearly eight out of 10 follow-up survey respondents felt satisfied with themselves and provided evidence of increased self -esteem. As a result of participating, 90% developed more positive attitudes; eight percent developed better relationships with adult children; 90% improved their appearance, dietary habits, and/or lost weight; 34% became more assertive; 84% managed stress more effectively; and 36% improved their time management skills.

The "Focus on You" emphasis had a positive impact on the lives of the participants. Maryland Extension faculty learned it's possible to help adults improve their self-esteem and feelings of worth in a structured, focused, educational experience. We predict the values derived by the participants will continue to be evident in many aspects of their lives.