Self-esteem levels and the parenting styles of adolescent mothers : a framework for the enhancement of adolescent reproductive health program / Lois Nell Joy T. Tica 6

Thesis (M.A.) -- Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, Intramuros, Manila, 2004.;A thesis presented to the faculty of Graduate School of Arts, Sciences, Education, and Nursing, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Nursing. 56

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ABSTRACT. This study was done to determine the relationship between the demographic profile, self-esteem levels and the parenting styles of adolescent mothers as they rear their children. Specifically it sought to answer the following questions: 1. What is the profile of the adolescent mothers as to: a. age b. civil status c. educational attainment d. economic status e. order in the family 2. What is the self-esteem level of the adolescent mothers? 3. What is the parenting style of adolescent mothers? 4. Is there a significant relationship between the demographic profile and the self-esteem levels of the adolescent mothers? 5. Is there a significant relationship between the demographic profile and the parenting styles of adolescent mothers? 6. What is the relationship between the self-esteem and the parenting style of the adolescent mothers? 7. What framework can be derived from the results of the study? Summary: It is substantial to say that majority of the sample populations are in the 18-20 age group (76.8%), living-in with their partners (42.5%), with high school education (60.83%), having an estimated monthly income of P 4,000 and below (75.00%), and are the 1st, 4th, and 7th child in the family (48.33%). Generally, adolescent mothers, have moderate self-esteem (2.528). With respect to the respondent's relationship with their peer, items 4 people my age often pick on me (3.008), 5 other people think I am a lot fun to be with (3.117) showed high level of esteem. On family relationship, they also showed high level of self-esteem on items 17 I am an important person in the family (3.183) and 19 my parents believe that I will be a success in the future. Conversely, adolescent mothers manifested low self-esteem on items 14 I often feel that if they could, my parents would trade me for another child (1.958), 18 I often feel unwanted at home (1.867), 20 I often wish that I had been born into another family (1.683). Adolescent mothers are democratic in their parenting with their children, but are authoritarian in implementing schedule for sleeping (3.90), eating (3.95). Adolescent mothers are authoritarian in disciplining their children and they do it by means of explanation. 4b (3.91) and 5b (3.96). It was found that age and educational attainment greatly affect the self-esteem level of the adolescent mothers. On the other hand, the demographic profile has no significant relationship on the parenting styles of the adolescent mothers. Comparing self-esteem with parenting styles, it was found out that there is a significant relationship between two variables thus the null hypothesis is rejected. To further boost the esteem levels of the parenting adolescent mothers, the researcher came about with the Enhancement Program for the Adolescent Reproductive Health. Conclusion: Results in the study have shown that: 1. Age and educational attainment affect the self-esteem level of the adolescent mothers. The null hypothesis is rejected. 2. Civil status, economic stability, and birth order do not have an effect on the self-esteem level of the adolescent mothers. The null hypothesis is accepted. 3. Parenting styles are not affected by age, educational attainment, economic status, civil status, and the birth order, therefore null hypothesis is accepted. 4. Adolescent mothers are concern more on the sleeping and feeding activities of their children, discipline their children by explaining and they are least concern with the play time and playmates of their children. 5. According to the result of the study, there is a significant relationship between self-esteem and parenting styles of the adolescent mothers. Recommendations: On the basis of the foregoing summary of findings and conclusions, the following recommendations were formulated: 1. A study to identify the demographic factors directly affecting self-esteem and parenting, aside from point already mentioned. This will aid health institutions to create more effective reproductive health program. 2. A prospective cohort study on self-esteem and parenting of mothers to the attitudes or success of their children in terms of academic excellence. 3. A study on adolescent fathers and how they rear their children. 4. A study be conducted on the relationship of adolescent mothers with their parents. 5. Better results would evidently be obtained by a bigger sample size doing the study in another part of the archipelago especially in Western Mindanao where the highest incidence of teenage pregnancy has been noted. 6. A study that will identify and assess the available support system for the adolescent mothers. 7. A study on the effects of adolescent parenting on issues of juvenile delinquencies.

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