Self-Esteem, Perseverance and Academic Performance Among Makerere University Students

Abstract

This study examined the relationships between self-esteem, perseverance, and academic performance among Makerere University students. Declining academic performance is linked to psychological factors such as diminished perseverance and low self-esteem due to stress. A correlational research design with a quantitative approach was employed. The target population consisted of Makerere University students from College of Computing and Information Science (COSIS) and College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHUSS) with an estimated total enrollment of 3,578 students in 2024. A sample size of 300 studentswas selected using Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) sampling table, and respondents were chosen through simple random sampling. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires and analyzed with SPSS software. The study found significant positive relationships between self-esteem and perseverance (r = 0.568, p < 0.01), perseverance and academic performance (r = 0.612, p < 0.01), and self-esteem and academic performance (r = 0.488, p < 0.01). These findings suggest that students with higher self-esteem tend to show greater perseverance, which in turn positively affects academic outcomes. The study recommends that Makerere University introduce programs to enhance self-esteem and perseverance, such as counseling services, mentorship initiatives, and stress management workshops. Additionally, integrating mental health assessments into academic programs to support at-risk students is advised.