Description
Purpose: Young people are often the most dynamic and innovative individuals in society, yet the increasing prevalence of domestic violence presents a significant barrier to adolescent growth. This paper investigates how self-image, resilience, and perceived social support impact the well-being of children affected by domestic violence in Cochin, Kerala, considering the potential influence of socio-demographic variables.
Design/methodology/approach: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adolescents aged 12 to 18 years studying in high school or secondary education through a referral sampling method. They completed a survey comprising the Rosenberg self-esteem scale, Child and Youth Resilient Measure, ‘Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support’, ‘World Health Organization-Five well-being Index’, and a socio-demographic questionnaire.
Results: It was concluded that personal competencies such as self-worth and resilience and social factors such as perceived social support predicted the well-being of children exposed to domestic abuse by explaining a statistically significant influence on a substantial amount of distinct impact. The variable that best predicted well-being was social support.
Practical implications: The findings provide new information for policymakers and development experts, paving the way for interventions that include resilience-building programmes, strengths-based intervention therapies, and school-based programmes to improve living conditions, capacity-building, empowerment, and well-being of adolescents impacted by domestic violence.
Originality/value: This is an empirical study that tackles the challenges that domestic violence victims experience as well as their ability to cope with the circumstances. This research work has investigated and established the predictive ability of variables to enhance the well-being of teenagers.
Keywords: Adolescent, domestic violence, well-being, resilience
