Self-esteem, empathy and introversion among adolescent readers

Abstract

Aim: This study is aimed to investigate the levels of self-esteem, empathy and introversion in adolescent readers based on their levels of reading. Self-esteem is quite simply one’s attitude toward oneself (Rosenberg, 1965). Empathy can be defined as the act of coming to experience the world as you think someone else does (Bloom, 2016). Introversion refers to a personality type in which there is an orientation towards the internal private world of one’s self and one’s own inner thoughts and feelings, rather than towards the outer world of people and things (American Psychological Association [APA]). Individuals belonging to this category are usually quiet, reserved and shy.  Adolescence refers to the period of human development that starts with puberty (10-12 years) and lasts till maturation (approximately 19 years). Method: This study has been conducted on 120 participants belonging to adolescent age group (09-19 years) through purposive sampling.  The tools for data collection used in the study are Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale (Morris Rosenberg, 1965), Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (Spreng et.al, 2009) and Introversion Scale (McCroskey). Data is analyzed using SPSS by the application of Kruskal Wallis Test and Post-hoc analysis. Results: The results indicate significant difference in the levels of self-esteem, empathy and introversion among adolescent readers varying on their reading level. That is, individuals with high levels of reading show higher levels of self-esteem, empathy and introversion compared to their counterparts.