Evaluating the Impact of Parent-Child Communication on Self-Esteem Among Adolescents with Learning Disabilities

Abstract

Parent-child communication plays a crucial role in adolescents' psychological well-being, particularly influencing self-esteem. Adolescents with learning disabilities (LD) often face difficulties in building self-esteem, making effective parental communication vital. This cross-sectional study explored the relationship between parent-child communication and self-esteem in 120 adolescents with LD from the Program Pendidikan Khas Integrasi (PPKI) schools in Selangor, Malaysia. Participants were selected using purposive sampling, with inclusion criteria of adolescents aged 13-19, diagnosed with LD, and living with their parents. Adolescents who could not complete the survey or had additional physical disabilities were excluded. Data were gathered using self-administered questionnaires namely the Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale (PACS) and the Malay Version of the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (M-RSES). Parental consent was obtained, and the questionnaires were distributed electronically via WhatsApp, with a one-week submission period. The results showed a statistically significant but weak positive correlation (r= 0.206, p=0.024) between effective parent-child communication and self-esteem in adolescents with LD. This finding underscores the importance of fostering supportive communication within families to enhance the self-esteem of adolescents with learning disabilities.