Self-Esteem of Adolescents with Thalassemia Major

Abstract

Self-esteem is a confident, satisfaction in oneself and an evaluative component of self-concept. It helps individuals to feel that they can develop their own skills and contribute to their community and it builds a solid foundation for coping with life.

Adolescence is a period of transition between childhood and adulthood. It is a time of physical, cognitive and psychosocial changes, which occur from ages 11-20 years. Adolescents' self-esteem is often affected by the physical and hormonal changes they experience, especially during puberty. Self-esteem increases with age and is most threatened during adolescence, when concepts of self are being modified and many self decisions need to be made.

Thalassemia major is an inherited disorder characterized by absent or decreased production of one of the normal globins chains of haemoglobin in the red blood cells. Thalassemia is an illness that causes changes and deformities in the body of adolescent patients. This will increase the risk of developing psychological and psychosocial disturbances that affect the development of self-esteem.

The pediatric nurse is an essential member of the health team in the environment of adolescents who are suffering from thalassemia.