PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to develop a program promoting self-esteem and to determine the effectiveness of the program for hospitalized school-aged children. METHOD: The sample group consisted of 68 hospitalized children in a University Hospital located in Busan. The experimental group was given the program and feedback was obtained 3 times up until the day of discharge. Data were analyzed using t-test and 2-way ANOVA with the SPSS program package. RESULT: There was a significant difference between experimental and control groups in self-esteem. CONCLUSION: It was found that the program promoting self-esteem in school aged children was effective. The program, which was based on learning theory, was shown to be an effective and strong method to promote adjustment in hospitalized school-aged children.