Influence of Family Environment on Self-esteem and Emotional Behavior Among School-going Adolescents in India

Abstract Introduction: Adolescence is a maturation phase where they seek independence from their parents and progressively rely on peers for social reinforcement. We aimed to determine the association between family environment on self-esteem and adolescent’s social and emotional behavior. Methods: A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 9 th –12 th -class adolescents. To evaluate emotional and behavioral difficulties (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), bullying victimization (adolescent peer relation instrument), and self-worth (Rosenberg’s self-esteem questionnaire). Results: 61.6% of students had low self-esteem. The risk of low self-esteem was high among students from government school, class 12 students, students with less than 3 friends, parents with less than primary education, students with conduct problems, and prosocial behavior problem. Peer problems were significantly more in students with <3 friends ( P = 0.01), whose parents were not loving ( P = 0.002) or not understanding ( P = 0.002), or not supportive in times of their need ( P = 0.001) or when children were upset ( P = 0.002). Prosocial behavior was significantly more among students whose parents were always loving ( P = 0.001), understanding ( P = 0.03), or supportive ( P = 0.00) when upset ( P = 0.003). Conduct problems were significantly higher among those whose parents were non-loving ( P = 0.03) or were unsupportive to their problems ( P = 0.00) or when they were upset ( P = 0.01). Emotional problems and hyperactivity were more common in adolescents whose parents never understood their problems and worries ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Thus, parents hold a crucial position in the enhancement of adolescent’s self-esteem and emotional and social behavior. At schools, sessions can be organized for parents to educate about how to give social and emotional support to their children.