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Exploring the Influence of Parent-Adolescent Relationships on Adolescents’ Self-Esteem: Evidence from Kosovo

Article Number: e2025020  |  Published Online: January 2025  |  DOI: 10.22521/edupij.2025.14.20

Vlora Sylaj , Adelina Hajrullahu

Abstract

Background/purpose. This study aimed to explore various demographic and relational factors affecting adolescents, with a particular focus on their self-esteem.  

Materials/methods. This study employed a descriptive and correlational research design to gather quantifiable data and examine the relationship between parent-adolescent dynamics and adolescents’ self-esteem. The study used descriptive and inferential statistical methods to analyze the data, including mean (M), standard deviation (SD), frequency, and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. The research sample consists of 573 adolescents determined by a simple random sampling method.

Results. The findings indicated a significant positive correlation, suggesting that a stronger parent-adolescent relationship is associated with higher adolescent self-esteem.  The results of the data analysis showed that gender is an influential factor in adolescents' self-esteem. We also found that the level of parent-adolescent relationship and the parenting style were significantly related to the level of adolescents' self-esteem.

Conclusion. This research confirms the link between self-esteem and the adolescent-parent relationship. The findings reveal a positive correlation between self-esteem and parent-adolescent relationships, emphasizing parents' crucial role in shaping adolescent self-esteem. The study’s implications are both theoretical and practical, highlighting the importance of positive parenting and its impact on self-esteem. It suggests the need for educational programs for parents to raise awareness of how they influence adolescent self-esteem, particularly by promoting healthy communication and relationships within families.  These findings underline the need for designing parenting programs to enhance adolescent well-being. 

Keywords: Self-esteem, parents, adolescent, parenting styles

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