Evaluation of Self-Worth and Its Relation with Parenting Styles, Inter-Parental Conflict and Family Structure among Adolescents in Northern Cyprus

Self-worth has been highlighted in the literature as an important variable which is related with critical developmental outcomes. The association between self-esteem and its functioning across different domains is the centre in the self-esteem literature, where self-worth is the value that individuals attribute to these different domains. Adolescence is a crucial period for self-esteem. The current study tested the roles of parenting styles, inter-parental conflict, family structures and gender as predictors of self-worth among adolescents in Northern Cyprus. A total of 213 participants aged 15- 17 and their parents (n = 143) have been recruited for the study. Hierarchical regression analysis indicated that parent reported authoritative parenting style did not predict self worth, however perceived acceptance and care from mother (which can be counted as an indicator of authoritative parenting style) did. Although, a t-test result showed that the participants who reported lower inter-parental conflict stated higher self-worth, hierarchical regression analysis showed that inter-parental conflict did not predict self worth of adolescents. Additionally, this study supported that there was not a significant difference among males and females, when their self-worth scores were compared. Furthermore, the results of both univariate and multivariate analysis supported that family structure does not predict self-worth of adolescents. Possible effects of culture, mothers’ role in parenting, how parents and children manage their relationships after divorce and limitations of this study are discussed in detail, as important factors influencing the results. In light of this study, it was found necessary to design and implement intervention programmes to improve parental capacities, communication skills, problem solving abilities and self-worth of individuals to contribute to overall welfare of the communities. Keywords: self-worth, inter-parental conflict, parenting styles, family structure, adolescents