Gender Differences in Anxiety, Depression, and Self-Esteem among Children of Alcoholics

Abstract

Background: Children growing up in families with alcohol abuse are at high risk for anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The published studies mainly focused on the gender difference in behavioral problems among normal children, but only limited studies are focused on gender difference in anxiety, depression, and self-esteem among children of alcoholics (COAs). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey research design was adopted for the present study. The study was conducted at selected government high school located in Bangalore South. The simple random sampling technique was used to select the participants for the study. COA screening test (modified) and pediatric symptom checklist were used for identifying COAs and behavioral problems. Spence Children's Anxiety Scale, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children, and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were used to assess anxiety, depression, and self-esteem, respectively. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software package (Version 23). Results: The results showed that there is no statistically significant difference in mean scores of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, separation anxiety, social phobia, obsessive–compulsive problems, and physical injury between boys and girls COAs. Mean scores of generalized anxiety are high in boys compared to girls COAs. Conclusion: The study concluded that there is no gender difference in anxiety, depression, and self-esteem among COAs.