Article Abstract 2

Many adolescents are at risk of developing mental health problems related to exposure to Parental intimate partner violence. However, little research has been done into the extent of the risk of low self-esteem in adolescents who have experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Hence, the study aims to explore the experience of self-esteem of the adolescents exposed to IPV. Twenty-eight adolescents aged 11-17 years were selected for this study, which included 18 individual interviews and one focus group discussion with 10 participants. The interviews and focus group discussions included 28 adolescents. A thematic analysis was used to extract the themes. The four main themes emerged from basic themes and organizing themes. The main themes are 1) The Disturbed State of Mind, 2) Self-Consciousness in Social Situations, 3) Obsessed with Negativity, 4) Non-contentment of Self. The analysis revealed that adolescents exposed to IPV had markedly lower self-esteem. This negatively affected multiple domains of their daily functioning. As a result, this vulnerable group needs immediate attention. The government and policymakers should provide school-based or family-based online counselling and interventions.
Keywords: adolescents, self-esteem, intimate partner violence, qualitative study, thematic analysis