Impact Of Parental Abuse On The Self-Esteem Of Children In The Cape Coast Metropolis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of parental abuse on the self-esteem of children in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Descriptive survey research design was utilised in this study. In all, 341 students were selected using proportional stratified random sampling from ten selected junior high schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Data were collected using questionnaire. Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance and linear regression. The study found that the respondents experienced abuse by their parents on some occasions. The common abuses suffered were psychological or emotional and physical. Also, the study found that the respondents respected themselves, felt useful and felt that they were good. Further, the study showed that support from other family members, friends and teachers, and professional help or assistance can help children cope with abuse experience. There was no significant difference between male and female children regarding their experience of parental abuse. However, significant differences were found in parental abuse experience on the bases of age and class level. Parental abuse also had a significant negative relationship with self-esteem. It was recommended that the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) through the Department of Social Welfare organise sensitization programmes for parents on the need for parental abuse to cease.