Rational Emotive Imagery Approach to Enhance Self-Esteem among Primary School Students

This study aims to examine the self-esteem of primary school students, a significant concern in today’s globalized environment that increasingly impacts students’ mental health. Self-esteem remains a pressing issue for children, including those in primary schools. The main objectives of this research are to identify the contributing factors to low self-esteem among primary school students and investigate the effectiveness of the Rational Emotive Imagery (REI) technique in enhancing their self-esteem. The study involved a Year 6 student from a school in the Kubang Pasu district. The participant was selected based on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), indicating low self-esteem levels. This qualitative study utilized a case study design, employing interviews, observations, and document analysis for data collection. Findings reveal that low self-esteem is influenced by three primary factors: a lack of social support, negative impacts of social media, and dissatisfaction with physical appearance. The results further demonstrate that the REI technique effectively enhances self-esteem by helping students address irrational thoughts and adopt positive self-perceptions. This study suggests that all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and school counselors, should collaborate to address self-esteem issues and foster healthier psychological development among students.