The Associations between Loneliness and Self-Esteem in Children and Neglectful Behaviors of their Parents

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the associations between loneliness and self-esteem in children and neglectful behaviors of their parents. The study group was comprised of 270 children attending four separate elementary schools in Hatay Turkey, as well as 270 parents. In terms of the data gathering instruments, an Individual Information Form was administered to both the children and parents for the purpose of gathering socio-demographic data. A Loneliness Scale was also administered to the children for the purpose of assessing their loneliness levels along with the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory for the purpose of assessing their self-esteem. On the other hand, the Multidimensional Neglectful Behaviors Scale-Parents Form was administered to the parents in order to assess the level of their neglectful behaviors. Prior to conducting statistical analysis, the relevant assumptions of regression were tested. For this purpose, the autocorrelation, linearity and normality of the data were examined. As a result, it was found that parents’ neglect scores were significantly and positively correlated with the scores of the Loneliness Scale for Children (p\u2009<\u2009.05) and negatively correlated with the scores of the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (p\u2009<\u2009.01). The results of the stepwise regression analysis showed that the parents’ age, education level and neglectful behaviors predicted loneliness in children (p\u2009<\u2009.01). In terms of self-esteem in children, only neglectful behaviors of the parents was a significant predictor (p\u2009<\u2009.01). The results are discussed in line with the relevant findings in the literature.