Adolescents’ Self-esteem and Academic Achievement in Ghana: The Role of Parenting Styles and Sex Differences

This study examined the influence of parenting styles on adolescents’ self-esteem and academic achievement in the Ho municipality of the Volta Region in Ghana. A total of one hundred and twenty (120) students from two schools were randomly selected. The cross-sectional survey method was used and the variables in the study were measured with The Parenting Style Scale, The Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale and End of Term examination records. The data was analyzed with the Two-way Analysis of Variance. The results showed that parenting styles had significant effects on adolescents’ self-esteem and academic achievement. However, no significant sex differences were observed in self-esteem and academic achievement of the adolescents. The implication of these findings is that the type of parental upbringing has significant impacts on the psychosocial outcomes of adolescent and therefore, parents and caregivers should ensure the use of best practices in child upbringing.