Influence of domestic violence and self esteem on psychological well-being among in-schools

adolescents.

CHAPTER ONE
Background of study.

The home is the first social community in the life of any person or group of persons. It is from this that an
individual attach and understands the values of culture, assimilates the first social roles and acquires the
experience of social behavior. Interactions among people in home is known to be the initial and most
lasting influence that each will ever know. The experiences people have in the home forms the very basic
and core belief about who they are and how they behave. Families today are however characterized by
incessant crises, witnessing gradual disintegration of family norms, values and cohesion. The beautiful
picture of an ideal family has been threatened over time by what is termed domestic violence. If there’s
domestic violence in the family environment, no matter whether the child witnesses or experiences it, it
will have a great impact on him.
Domestic violence and low self esteem are pressing concerns that profoundly impact psychological well-
being of adolescents worldwide. It affects millions of adolescents, compromising their mental health,
academic performance and social relationships. The schools setting ideally a sanctuary for learning and
growth, often becomes a challenging environment for adolescents struggling with domestic violence and
self esteem.

Adolescence is an important period of physical, social, psychological, and cognitive growth (world health
organization, 2023; Scott and Saginak, 2016). Adolescence is a period of growth and development
bridging childhood and adulthood. The physical and emotional changes in this period influence behavior
in that adolescent is a time of risk taking and experimentation (Allen & Waterman, 2019). Also
adolescence is a critical period of life in which abilities to express and understand emotions, to assign
meaning to emotional experience and to regulate feelings may be particularly helpful for psychological
and social adjustment (Romer, Reyna & Satterth Waite, 2017). Any adverse experiences may affect the
the development of positive self perceptions (self esteem) thereby resulting to psychological problems.

Schools, as central institutions in the lives of adolescents, provides a unique context for examing the
impact of domestic violence. Beyond being places of learning, schools offer a social environment where
adolescents develop relationships, gain social skills, and receive support from peers and educators.
However, for adolescents experiencing domestic violence, the school setting can also be a place where
the adverse effects of their home environment become evident. These adolescents may exhibit
academic difficulties, behavioral issues and social withdrawal, indicating the need for targeted support
and interventions within the schools system.

Domestic violence, also called family violence is the intentional and persistent abuse of anyone in the
home in a way that causes pain, distress or injury (Aihie,2009).it refers to any abusive treatment of one
family member by another, thus violating the law of basic human rights. UNICEF (2014) sees domestic
violence as a victimization of a person with whom the abuser has or has had an intimate, romantic,
spousal relationship with. Domestic violence can also be described as the occurrence of aggressive or
violent behavior in personal relationships, marriages or other familiar context. However, when domestic
violence takes place within the context of childrens families, it profoundly impacts the children involved
and influences their well-being, self esteem and development. Adolescents who are in a critical stage of
emotional and psychological development, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of domestic
violence. This period of growth is marked by the search for identity, self esteem development, and the
establishment of social relationships. When exposed to domestic violence, adolescents may experience
challenges in these developmental tasks, ultimately affecting their psychological well-being.

Adolescents from violent homes often experience feelings of fear, helplessness, and confusion, which
can manifest in various psychological and behavioral issues, in addition to the direct impact of domestic
violence, self esteem also plays a pivotal role in determining the psychological well-being of adolescents.
. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), domestic violence is a major public health issue
affecting millions of individuals globally, with adolescents particularly vulnerable to its effects.

Domestic Violence may include Physical Abuse: Involves the use of physical force, such as hitting,
slapping, or pushing, that results in bodily injury or harm. Emotional/Psychological Abuse: Includes
behaviors that cause emotional pain or distress, such as verbal insults, threats, or manipulation.

Sexual Abuse: Involves any unwanted or forced sexual activity, including rape or other forms of sexual
exploitation. Neglect: A form of abuse where the caregiver fails to provide necessary care and
protection, leading to harm.
Domestic violence has far-reaching consequences for adolescents who witness or experience abuse
within the home. Adolescents exposed to domestic violence may face immediate physical harm and
long-term emotional and psychological effects, which can influence their development and future well-
being.

Several studies have documented the negative impact of domestic violence on adolescents' mental
health and psychological well-being. Exposure to violence during this critical developmental stage can
result in emotional instability, feelings of fear, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD).
Adolescents may also exhibit behavioral problems such as aggression, substance abuse, or delinquency
as a response to the trauma experienced in violent homes. Emotional and Behavioral Consequences.
Emotional Dysregulation: Adolescents exposed to domestic violence often have difficulty managing their
emotions. They may experience mood swings, irritability, or prolonged sadness. Depression and Anxiety.
Studies have shown that adolescents who witness domestic violence are at a higher risk of developing
depression and anxiety disorders. These adolescents often report feelings of hopelessness and
worthlessness. Trauma and PTSD: Chronic exposure to domestic violence can lead to trauma-related
disorders, including PTSD, where adolescents relive the traumatic experiences through flashbacks or
nightmares. Social Isolation: Adolescents living in violent households may withdraw from social
relationships due to shame, fear, or mistrust, further exacerbating their psychological distress.

Self-esteem refers to an individual's overall sense of self-worth or personal value. It encompasses how
adolescents perceive themselves and their abilities, which significantly influences their behavior,
motivation, and mental health. Individuals develop a sense of identity and self esteem in parallel with
the sense of identity (Harris & Orth, 2020). Self esteem reflects how an adolescent evaluate himself or
herself in domain or areas, in which he/she considers success important (Hapsari, Huang, & Kanita,
2023). In particularly, among these factors witnessing domestic violence may have a negative effects on
self esteem of adolescents by affecting their psychological development process in all areas. (Ferrara et
al., 2016).
During adolescence, self-esteem is a critical aspect of development, as individuals begin to form a sense
of identity and navigate complex social environments. According to Rosenberg’s theory of self-esteem, it
is composed of two key dimensions: self-worth and self-competence. Self-worth relates to the emotional
evaluation of one’s value as a person, while self-competence refers to beliefs in one's abilities to achieve
goals or succeed in various life domains. Factors Influencing Self-Esteem: Family Environment:
Adolescents develop self-esteem based on their interactions with family members. Supportive and caring
relationships promote positive self-esteem, while abusive or neglectful environments contribute to low
self-esteem. Social Comparisons: During adolescence, individuals often compare themselves with peers,
which can either boost or diminish self-esteem depending on their social standing and achievements.
Parental Influence: Parenting styles play a crucial role in shaping self-esteem. Adolescents with
authoritative, warm, and supportive parents tend to have higher self-esteem compared to those with
authoritarian or neglectful parents.

Exposure to domestic violence can have a detrimental effect on adolescents’ self-esteem. Living in an
abusive environment often leads to feelings of helplessness, guilt, and inadequacy, all of which erode
self-worth and confidence. Adolescents may internalize the negative treatment they witness or
experience, believing they are responsible for the abuse or that they are inherently unworthy of love and
respect. Research has shown that adolescents who grow up in violent households often struggle with
low self-esteem, which can manifest in various ways: Feelings of Worthlessness: Constant exposure to
abuse may lead adolescents to believe they are not valuable or deserving of care and affection, resulting
in low self-worth. Impaired Social Functioning: Adolescents with low self-esteem may have difficulty
forming and maintaining social relationships due to feelings of inadequacy or fear of rejection. Self-
Blame: Adolescents may take on the blame for the violence, believing they could have done something
to prevent it. This belief can further diminish their self-esteem.

Psychological Well-Being Psychological well-being refers to an individual’s overall mental health and
includes factors such as life satisfaction, emotional stability, and the ability to cope with stress. Positive
psychological well-being promotes resilience, life satisfaction, and academic success, while negative
psychological well-being increases the risk of mental health problems and decreased academic
performance (Holt et al., 2017)
Ryff's model of psychological well-being identifies six key components: Self-Acceptance: A positive
attitude towards oneself, acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses. Positive Relations with Others:
The ability to form meaningful, supportive relationships. Autonomy: A sense of independence and
control over one’s life. Environmental Mastery: The capacity to manage life’s circumstances and
challenges. Purpose in Life: Having goals and a sense of direction in life. Personal Growth: The ability to
develop and improve oneself over time. Adolescents exposed to domestic violence often exhibit lower
levels of psychological well-being. Their ability to experience positive emotions, maintain healthy
relationships, and cope with stress is significantly impaired due to the trauma of living in a violent

Domestic violence exposure can Erode self-esteem through constant criticism, belittling, or emotional
abuse (Briere & Runtz, 1990)
Increase self-blame and shame, exacerbating low self-esteem (Kilpatrick et al., 2003)
Domestic violence can erode self esteem, leaving adolescents feeling powerless, worthless, and insecure.
Consequently, low self esteem can further exacerbate the negative effects of domestic violence on their
psychological health, creating a vicious cycle of emotional instability and mental health challenges.
Understanding the influence of domestic violence and self esteem on adolescents psychological well-
being is essential for developing effective interventions and prevention strategies. This study therefore,
seeks to explore the relationship between domestic violence, self esteem and psychological well-being
among in schools adolescents aiming to provide valuable insights into how these factors interact and
affect the mental health of adolescents.

Statement of problems:
Domestic violence is a widespread issue that affects millions of families globally, with adolescents being
one of the most vulnerable groups. Despite extensive research on the physical consequences of
domestic violence, the psychological impact on adolescents remains underexplored, particularly in the
context of their self-esteem and overall psychological well-being. Adolescence is a crucial developmental
phase where individuals form their identity, establish self-worth, and learn how to manage emotions.
Exposure to domestic violence during this critical period can disrupt these developmental processes,
leading to serious mental health issues. While numerous studies have focused on the immediate effects
of domestic violence, such as anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems, there is a significant gap in
understanding how domestic violence influences adolescents' self-esteem and how this, in turn, affects
their long-term psychological well-being. Self-esteem, a key determinant of mental health, is often
eroded in adolescents who witness or experience violence at home. However, limited research has
explored the complex relationship between domestic violence, self-esteem, and psychological well-
being, leaving a critical gap in knowledge about how these factors interact. Additionally, most studies on
domestic violence tend to focus on adult victims, leaving the adolescent population relatively
understudied. The long-term mental health effects on adolescents exposed to domestic violence and the
role of self-esteem as a potential moderating factor are crucial areas that need further investigation.
Understanding these dynamics is vital for developing effective intervention programs that can support
adolescents, boost their self-esteem, and improve their psychological well-being. This study is important
because it addresses the gap in existing literature by examining how domestic violence influences self-
esteem and the psychological well-being of adolescents. It will provide insights into the unique
challenges faced by adolescents exposed to domestic violence and highlight the need for targeted
interventions to mitigate the negative impact on their mental health. By exploring this relationship, the
study aims to contribute valuable knowledge that can inform mental health professionals, educators,
and policymakers in developing effective strategies to support adolescents in violent homes, ultimately
improving their quality of life and long-term outcomes.

Purpose of Study
The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of domestic violence and self esteem on
the psychological well-being on in school adolescents, while the following are the specific purpose.
1. Assess the psychological well-being of these adolescents.
2. Investigate the relationship between domestic violence, self esteem and psychological well-
being to understand how these factors interact and influence each other.
3. Develop recommendation for interventions and support mechanisms to enhance the
psychological well-being of in school adolescents affected by domestic violence.

Relevant of Study
This study holds significant relevance for several reasons.
1. Enhance understanding: by investigating the interplay between domestic violence, self esteem,
and psychological well-being, this study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the
factors influencing adolescents mental health. This enhance understanding can inform future
research and theory development in the fields of psychology, education, and social work.
2. Informing intervention: The findings of this research can inform the development of targeted
interventions aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of domestic violence on adolescents.
 Educators, counselors and mental health professionals can utilize these insights to create
supportive environments that foster resilience and recovery.
3. Promoting Awareness: Raising awareness about the impact of domestic violence on adolescents
self esteem and psychological well-being can lead to increased advocacy and community
support. This awareness is essential for creating safe and nurturing environments where
adolescents can thrive. Public awareness campaigns and educational programs can disseminate
the study’s findings to a broader audience, fostering a more informed and supportive
community.
4. Academic contribution: this study adds to the existing body of literature on adolescents
development, mental health, and effects of domestic violence. It provides a foundation for
future research and encourages further exploration of these critical issues. By contributing new
knowledge to the academic community, this study can inspire subsequent studies that continue
to unravel the complex interactions between domestic violence, self esteem and psychological
well-being.
5. Lastly, improving mental health outcomes: ultimately, the goal of this research is to improve
mental health outcomes for adolescents who experience domestic violence. By identifying the
factors that influence their self esteem and psychological well-being, this study aims to
contribute to the development of strategies and interventions that promote mental health and
resilience among this vulnerable group.