THE IMPACT OF PARENTAL DISHARMONY ON SELF-ESTEEM, AND SOCIAL SKILLS OF ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Parental Disharmony, Self-Esteem and Social Skills in adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18. Cross-sectional Correlational Research Design was used with a sample of 210 adolescents from public schools with equal proportion of gender, boys (N=105) and girls (N=105). Data were collected using standardized tools: Parental Disharmony Scale (PDS; Amjad & Saleem, 2014), Self-Esteem Scale for Adolescents (SES; Saleem & Mahmood, 2011), and Interpersonal Skills Scale (IPSS; Zahra et al., 2020). Relationship between the study variables were found using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation. Linear Regression was also conducted to determine the significant predictors of Interpersonal Skills. Results revealed a significant negative relationship between Parental Disharmony and both Self-Esteem and Social Skills (p > .001). In contrast, there was a strong positive relationship between Self-Esteem and Social Skills (p > .001). Furthermore, gender (p > .05) and Self-Esteem factors (p > .01) (p > .05) were significant positive predictors of Interpersonal Skills. This study illustrated the relevance of cultural context and provide compelling evidence of how Parental Disharmony can adversely affect adolescence Self-Esteem and Social Skills. It was recommended that further studies be conducted to validate and expand these findings, to ensure their applicability to a wider population.