Dual Income Family, Gender and Adolescents´ Self-Esteem

Abstract

This study examined the influence of dual income family and gender on adolescents’ self-esteem in Enugu, Nigeria. Participants comprised 86 (38 males and 46 females) secondary school students between the ages of 12 – 17 years and in Junior Secondary II to Senior Secondary III drawn from six state government secondary schools in Enugu metropolis using cluster and systematic sampling techniques. Hudson (1982) 25-item index of self -esteem scale measuring self-esteem was administered. Cross sectional survey design was used. Results from 2x2 Analysis of Variance F-test with unequal sample size revealed that dual income family did not influence adolescents´ self-esteem, F(1,82) = 0.62 at p >.05 and gender did not influence adolescents´ self-esteem, F(1,82) = 0.79 at p>.05. These findings were discussed in the light of Erikson (1968) psychosocial theory of development and Mcalister, Perry and Parcel (2008) social cognitive theory.

Keywords: Dual income, Family, Gender, Adolescents, Self-esteem