Association Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Self-Esteem among Adolescents in Selected Public Secondary Schools within Dagoretti Sub-County, Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

ACEs, including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, are linked to long-term psychological challenges. In adolescents, ACEs can impair emotional health and self- esteem, affecting resilience, academics, and relationships. This study explored ACE prevalence, self-esteem levels, their correlation, and coping strategies among students in Dagoretti Sub-County public secondary schools. Using Attachment, Resilience, and Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem theories, a convergent parallel mixed-methods design was applied. Quantitative data came from a survey of 309 randomly selected adolescents (13–17 years), while qualitative insights were drawn from four gender-based focus groups. Data collection used the ACEs Questionnaire and RSES; analysis involved SPSS 21.0 and thematic coding. Findings showed 74.8% had at least one ACE— emotional neglect (32.5%), physical abuse (35.0%), and household dysfunction (63.4%) were most common. High ACE exposure affected 21.4%. Self-esteem was high in 90.6% and low in 9.4%. ACEs negatively correlated with self-esteem (r = .17, p < .01), with neglect (r = .37) and household dysfunction (r = .30) as key predictors. Coping strategies included adaptive (prayer, peer support, teacher help) and maladaptive (withdrawal, substance use) responses. Recommendations include trauma-informed counseling, parental education, and cross-sector collaboration to support adolescent well-being.