Influence of Neglectful Parenting Approaches on Self-esteem of Teenagers Aged 13-19 Years in Selected Day Secondary Schools in Lari Sub County in Kiambu County, Kenya

Purpose: Parents play a critical role in influencing the self-esteem of teenagers. The main aim of the study was to investigate how neglectful parenting approaches influence the self-esteem of teenagers aged 13- 19 years in day secondary schools in Lari Sub County, in Kiambu County, Kenya. Methodology: The researcher used a concurrent correlational research design. In this approach both qualitative and quantitative data collection strategies were used simultaneously to investigate the relationship between the variables. The target population was 4500 students. The sample size was 1280 participants. Questionnaires and structured interviews guides were used for data collection Stratified and Simple random sampling techniques were used to select the accessible study population. The qualitative data was collected using interview guides and presented thematically in narrative form. At the univariate level, the quantitative data was analyzed using (SPSS) software version 27 and presented in tables. At the bivariate level Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient was used to obtain correlations and significance. Findings: From the descriptive findings 38.7% of the teenagers from neglectful parents are experiencing unhealthy self-esteem.24.0% of teenagers from authoritative parents have a healthy self-esteem. 37.3% of the teenagers had moderate self-esteem. The results also indicate that out of 1200 respondents (371) 30.9% of respondents had good experiences with their parents. 117(9.8%) had moderate experiences with their parents and 712(59.3%) had antagonistic experiences with their parents. From the inferential findings a statistically significant relationship was also found between neglectful parenting approach and teenage self-esteem, (r =0.740, p =.000). From thematic findings presented in narrative mode from school and peer counsellors, it was evident that neglectful parenting dominates the Lari Sub County region since most of the clients had unfavorable experiences with their parents. Few have lovely experiences with their parents. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The research was guided by the Albert Bandura Social Learning Theory. The theory provides insight that during their initial interaction with their family children observe and learn from the actions and behaviors of caregivers or parents. Therefore, decent actions, words and behaviors from parent’s influence positively the self-esteem of teenagers. The teenagers feel good, secure and loved to be part of a warm and loving family which gives them confidence to explore their world and try new things. However, toxic words, actions and behaviors in parental relationships with teenagers influence negatively the self-esteem of many teenagers. The study recommended that policy makers in the state department of early childhood education in Lari Sub County should embrace programs to educate teenagers on healthy ways to adapt to unfriendly experiences with neglectful parents since they cannot change them but they can only build their individual self-esteem. It also recommends that parents to be educated on the need to embrace authoritative parenting strategies to cultivate health self-esteem of teenagers.