Cooperative games as a pathway to develop the self-esteem of adolescents experiencing school dropout

Abstract

This research aimed to examine the effect of cooperative games on the self-esteem of a group of adolescents in school dropout situations, aged between 13 and 18. An initial sample included 24 participants, of which only 15 adolescents from the ”Bab El Khadhra” second chance school in Tunisia were selected to participate in the study. For this research activity, a group of students from the Higher Institute of Childhood Executives was engaged serving as teammates and observing participants. The study employed a mixed method, using the Self Perception Profile for Adolescents questionnaire (SPPA) and the Focus Groups. Results indicated a positive correlation between overall self-esteem and participation in social sports meetings based on cooperative games, with improvements in social acceptance, close friendships, humour, creativity, and athletic skills, but slight decreases in appearance and academic skills.