Mental Health and Self-esteem: A Comparative Study between Dyslexic and Nondyslexic Students

Background: Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that affects the person’s emotional and psychological well-being. The current study examines mental health challenges as well as self-esteem levels among dyslexic and nondyslexic college students in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Methods: For this quantitative, cross-sectional study, the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 was used to assess mental health and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale to assess self-esteem. In addition, we implemented the International Dyslexia Association Scale and the Kurdish Version of the Dyslexia Scale to identify dyslexia. Results: The study sample consisted of 357 university students of both genders, 77 of whom were dyslexic and 280 of whom were not. Dyslexic students reported significantly higher levels of mental health problems and lower self-esteem. In terms of gender differences, male dyslexics reported higher levels of stress and depression compared to their female counterparts. Conclusion: Dyslexic college students reported significant mental health issues and low self-esteem levels compared to their nondyslexic counterparts. Hereafter, appropriate psychological interventions and educational assistance are critical to lessen adverse consequences.