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Parenting Styles, Self-Esteem, and Drug Abuse Among Youth Raised by Single Mothers in Kira Municipality, Wakiso District: A Case Study of Namugongo Division
CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.0 Introduction
This chapter introduces the background to the study, outlines the problem statement, research objectives and questions, significance, justification, scope, and provides definitions of key terms.
1.1 Background to the Study
1.1.1 Historical Background
Globally, a significant proportion of families are headed by single mothers, with estimates ranging between one-quarter and one-third. In developed nations, the rise in single-parent households has been attributed to increasing divorce rates and non-marital births (Ponzetti, 2003; Smith, 2008). In the U.S., children living with a single parent increased from 9% in 1960 to 27% by 2010, contributing to rising child poverty and associated social issues such as school dropout and early pregnancy.
Children raised by single parents often face psychological challenges stemming from the absence of one parent, which can affect their behavioral development (Tesha, 2019). The dual role of a single parent can strain the family structure, limiting emotional and moral guidance, especially in cultural contexts where gender roles are distinct.
In Uganda, the World Health Organization (2014) reported high rates of substance abuse, with alcohol being the most prevalent. Psychoactive substance use among youth is alarmingly widespread, with many adolescents suffering from related mental health issues. Drug abuse contributes to school dropout, criminal activity, and risky behaviors (Azofeifa et al., 2016; Adyemo et al., 2016).
Self-esteem—defined as an individual’s evaluation of self-worth (Rosenberg & Rosenberg, 1978)—is closely linked to parenting. Authoritative parenting, which balances support and discipline, is associated with higher self-esteem, while permissive or uninvolved parenting styles may result in poor self-regulation and increased risk of drug abuse.
1.1.2 Theoretical Background
This study is grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) Ecological Systems Theory, which explains human development as influenced by interactions within multiple environmental systems: the microsystem (family, school), mesosystem (interactions between microsystems), exosystem (external environments), macrosystem (cultural context), and chronosystem (changes over time). The theory supports the idea that parenting styles and the immediate environment significantly influence youth behavior and lifestyle choices, including drug use.
1.1.3 Conceptual Background
Self-esteem is a critical psychological construct influencing youth behavior. Defined as one’s personal judgment of worthiness (Coopersmith, 1967), it shapes how young people perceive their abilities and navigate life challenges. Parenting styles—authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved—have different impacts on children’s self-esteem and subsequent susceptibility to drug abuse (Baumrind, 1996; Padila-Walker, 2012).
1.1.4 Contextual Background
Substance abuse is a growing concern among youth in Uganda, particularly in urban centers like Kampala and Wakiso. Studies reveal that over 70% of students in these areas have engaged in substance use, often starting at a young age. Factors such as poor parental supervision, peer pressure, and easy access to drugs exacerbate the issue (Abbo et al., 2019; Mulumba et al., 2017). Namugongo Division, despite being a middle-class area, exhibits high rates of drug use among youth, highlighting a disconnect between economic stability and effective parenting.
1.2 Problem Statement
Uganda ranks among the countries with the highest substance abuse rates globally, with youth being disproportionately affected. In urban areas such as Kira Municipality, drug use among adolescents is alarmingly high, leading to increased school dropouts, crime, and health issues. While efforts have been made to address these problems, the specific role of single parenting styles in influencing youth behavior, especially among children raised by single mothers, remains under-researched. This study seeks to fill this gap by examining the relationship between single parenting styles, self-esteem, and drug abuse among youth in Namugongo Division.
