Domestic violence, self-esteem, and academic performance among secondary school students in Kampala District

Abstract

This research study investigates the intricate relationships between domestic violence, self-esteem, and academic performance among secondary school students in the Kampala District. The specific objectives were to examine the relationships between domestic violence and academic performance, domestic violence and self-esteem, and self-esteem and academic performance. Adopting a quantitative correlational study design, data was collected from a sample of 110 adolescents aged 17 to 19 using self-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and correlational analyses were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed significant relationships between the variables. There was a strong positive relationship between domestic violence and academic performance indicating that higher exposure to domestic violence corresponded to lower academic achievement. A moderate positive relationship was found between domestic violence and self-esteem, suggesting that increased exposure to domestic violence correlated with diminished self-esteem. Furthermore, a significant positive relationship was identified between self-esteem and academic performance, highlighting that higher self-esteem was associated with improved academic outcomes. These findings underscore the critical influence of domestic violence on students' self-esteem and academic performance within the secondary school context. The study concludes that comprehensive interventions are imperative to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of counseling services, peer support networks, and workshops targeting self-esteem and emotional well-being. Additionally, fostering a nurturing school environment that values and empowers students can mitigate the negative outcomes associated with domestic violence. The study recommended establishing awareness and prevention programs, parental and community involvement, promotion of family support among other recommendations. Further studies are recommended to explore the roles of teachers in supporting students exposed to domestic violence, evaluate intervention effectiveness, and investigate students' resilience and coping mechanisms in the face of such challenges. These insights contribute to a holistic understanding of the complex interplay between domestic violence, self-esteem, and academic performance among secondary school students.