Role of Self-Esteem in Punitive Parenting and Psychological Reactions of Abuse and Neglect in Adolescents

Abstract

The objective of the study was to examine the moderating role of self-esteem in the relationship between punitive parenting and psychological reactions to abuse and neglect. The sample of the study was 305 (Girls=49%, Boys=50%) adolescents with the age range of 12-16 years (M=14.25, SD=1.47) of class 6th -10th of 3 boys and 4 girls schools selected through multistage sampling technique. Culturally developed punitive parenting scale, self-esteem scale, and psychological reactions of abuse and neglect scale were administered. Results were discussed in light of cultural expressions and indicators of self-esteem, punitive parenting, and psychological reactions to abuse and neglect. Results suggested that self-esteem significantly moderates the relationship between punitive parenting and psychological reactions to abuse and neglect (?=.013, SE. = - .005, p<.001). Regression analysis revealed that punitive parenting is a positive predictor (SE=.45, p<.001) of psychological reactions to abuse and neglect whereas self-esteem negatively predicts (?=-.006; SE=.08) psychological reactions to abuse and neglect in the association with punitive parenting in adolescents. Study findings suggest that punitive parenting significantly contributes to increasing psychological reactions to abuse and neglect in adolescents therefore the area of parenting needs noteworthy concerns to reduce mental health problems in adolescents.