Impact of Parenting Styles on the Self-Esteem of Adolescents in Selected Public High Schools in Dagoretti North Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Adolescents in public high schools across Kenya experience varying levels of self-esteem, often shaped by the different parenting styles employed by their caregivers, which in turn influence their academic performance, social interactions, and overall well-being. This study sought to assess the impact of parenting styles on the self-esteem of adolescents in selected public high schools in Dagoretti North Sub-County, Nairobi County, Kenya. The objectives were threefold: to investigate the types of parenting styles among parents of adolescents, to explore the levels of self-esteem among adolescents, and to evaluate the relationship between parenting styles and adolescent self-esteem in the selected schools. The study was guided by Baumrind's theory of parenting styles and Rosenberg’s self-esteem theory. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview guides. A total of 354 adolescents aged 13 to 19 years were selected through purposive sampling, representing diverse socioeconomic backgrounds in Nairobi. The Parental Authority Questionnaire (PAQ) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) were employed to gather information, and the data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 to examine the direction and strength of the relationship between parenting styles and self-esteem. The findings revealed that parenting styles significantly influence the self-esteem levels of adolescents in the selected schools. This was evidenced by a strong positive correlation coefficient of 0.769, indicating that parenting approaches play a substantial role in shaping adolescents’ self-perceptions. The study further highlighted that authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and neglectful parenting styles each have distinct impacts on adolescent behavior, confidence, and emotional well-being. These results offer practical insights for parents, educators, and policymakers on effective parenting strategies that foster healthy self-esteem and holistic development among teenagers. Additionally, the study recommends therapeutic interventions, community initiatives, and school-based programs, such as parenting classes and mental health support, to address self-esteem challenges among adolescents and promote positive psychological outcomes across Nairobi’s youth population.