Parental Intimate Partner Violence and Demographic Variables Predict Self-Esteem Among Adolescents in India during COVID-19

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic may have substantially impacted adolescents’ mental health. Therefore, this study aims to assess the influence of exposure to parental intimate partner violence (IPV) and demographic variables on adolescents’ self-esteem. A cross-sectional approach was used in this study. The sample consisted of 214 adolescents from different areas in Kerala, India, who completed the Cooper Smith Self-Esteem and Child Exposure to Domestic Violence questionnaires. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis, and an independent t-test. Results indicated that exposure to parental IPV and demographic variables such as parents’ education, occupation, and family income significantly predict self-esteem in adolescents. Moreover, high exposure to parental IPV may cause low self-esteem in adolescents. School and family-based online interventions are needed to protect IPV-affected adolescents and enhance their self-esteem.