Interplay of self-esteem with the academic achievements between male and female secondary school students

The study investigated the relationship of self-esteem of secondary school students with their academic achievement. The objectives of the study were to examine the association between academic achievement and self-esteem, and find difference in self-esteem on the basis of gender. The population of the study was 2560 students; 480 students were selected from 24 secondary schools (12 male and 12 female). Rosenberg self-esteem scale (1965) was used for measuring self-esteem of the students. The score obtained in the ninth grade annual examination was used as achievement of students. Data were analyzed by Pearson r and t-test .The results of the study showed that academic achievement and self-esteem had no significant positive correlation when taken together of male and female students. Science students had significantly higher self-esteem than Arts students and male students had significantly higher self-esteem than female students. There was significant correlation between the self-esteem and academic achievements of male students but there was no significant correlation between the self-esteem of female students and their academic achievement. The study suggests enhancing self-esteem of female students; female students may not be denied any academic opportunity on the basis of gender. Other issues which affect achievement should be considered.