title: Comparison of self-esteem and maternal attitude between children with learning disability and unaffected siblings.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare self-esteem and maternal attitude between children with learning disability and their unaffected siblings.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in an urban setting. It comprised of 31 pairs of children with a learning disability, their unaffected siblings and input from their mothers. All children were assessed with Rosenberg self-esteem scale. Mothers were asked to fill Index of parental attitude (IPA) and semi structured proforma with demographic data and questionnaire about her children with a learning disability and his/her unaffected sibling.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Self-esteem was found to be lower in children with learning disability. They felt they do not have much to be proud of and have a fewer number of good qualities. They are also inclined to consider themselves as failures. In factors affecting self-esteem, index of parental attitude was found to be unfavorable towards children with learning disability. Mothers felt child was interfering with their activities and was getting on their nerves. In addition, they also felt that they do not understand their child, feel like they do not love their child and wished that child was more like others they know off. More academic failures, academic difficulties and negative school report were also perceived by mother as lowering child's self-esteem.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Self-esteem was lower in children with learning disability. In factors affecting self-esteem maternal attitude, academic difficulties, academic failure and negative school reports was found to be unfavorable.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Topiwala National Medical College and B Y L Nair Charitable Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Sandeep
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lahane
authors.forename: Henal
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.forename: Vivek
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Nagarale
authors.forename: Ravindra
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kamath
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D000293:Adolescent; D001290:Attitude; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007859:Learning Disabilities / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D008297:Male; D008425:Maternal Behavior; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D012649:Self Concept; D035781:Siblings / Q000523:psychology*