The level of self-esteem of young girls aged 12 to 14 years old from a municipality in the Mucuri Valley who practice volleyball

Gustavo Fagundes Cheles, Júlia Quintino Galvão, Osvaldo Nogueira de Souza Neto, Guilherme Souza Costa, Wanessa Soares Luiz Silva, Ronaldo Galdino Barbosa, Rubens Rodrigues de Souza Neto, Daniel Rodrigues Silva

Self-esteem, Adolescence, Volleyball, Sports practice, Mental health, Social development.

This study investigated the self-esteem levels of female adolescents, aged 12 to 14, who practiced volleyball in a sports project in the Mucuri Valley. The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (1965), adapted by Silva and Nunes (2011), was used and applied to 14 participants. The applied research, with a quantitative approach, showed that all athletes presented self-esteem levels ranging from average to high, with no cases of low self-esteem. Positive responses indicated recognition of qualities and personal satisfaction, while negative responses indicated specific insecurities. The practice of volleyball was associated with increased self-confidence, socialization, and a sense of belonging. The results corroborate studies that link team sports to improved emotional health and self-image in young people. It is concluded that volleyball contributes significantly to the psychological and social development of adolescent girls, reinforcing the importance of sports policies focused on youth well-being.

Received: 06 Oct 2025, Received in revised form: 04 Nov 2025, Accepted: 07 Nov 2025, Available online: 11 Nov 2025

10.22161/ijaers.1211.3