Adolescents' self-esteem in single and two-parent families

ABSTRACT

Self-esteem is one of the basic needs for all individuals especially in adolescence. The aim of this study was to determine associations between adolescents' self-esteem and perceived maternal parenting styles as well as its dimensions in terms of family type. In this analytic cross-sectional study, 356 high school students [250 two-parent nuclear family and 106 single-parent family] participated and filled out the Coppersmith self-esteem and the Robinson and colleagues [2001] perceived parenting styles questionnaires. Data were analyzed by SPSS software, version 18. To assess the relationship between participants' self-esteem and parenting styles and dimensions, Mantel-Haenszel Chi-square test was used to adjust the effect of potential confounder variables. P questionnaires, 356 questionnaires were completed. The mean +/- SD of the participants' self-esteem score was 38.49 +/- 6.55. Mean +/- SD of self-esteem score among the two-parent and single-parent students was 39.06 +/- 6.36 and 37.42 +/- 7.28, respectively [P=0.034]. Dominant parenting style in both families was authoritative style. There were significant associations between the respondents' self-esteem and their perceived parenting styles, after matching sex, family income, level of education, and parents job [P<0.005]. The results of this research can be used in educational interventions to modify the dimensions of parenting styles and improve self-esteem. Therefore, considering the relationship between child-rearing style and adolescent self-esteem, assessing other relating factors with adolescent self-esteem especially in single-parent family, such as father absence stigma, is suggested