Influence of Parental Marital Status

Single parenting has found little, if any, acceptance in most communities in Kenya, which may adversely affect self-esteem, discipline and interpersonal relationships of children in the households. This study therefore aimed at establishing the influence of dual and single families on the development of children’s self-esteem, discipline and interpersonal relationships. The research design was causal-comparative, with an accessible population of 4257 Form 3 and Form 4 students being used. The study was carried out in 18 public secondary schools within Nakuru Municipality, Kenya. A sample size of 360 students, from both single and dual parent families was used in the study. Purposive and stratified sampling techniques were used. Data were collected by use of a questionnaire Data analysis was done by use of descriptive, correlation, chi square, ANOVA and t-test statistics. The study recommended that all stakeholders undertake measures aimed at improving self esteem, discipline and interpersonal relationships of the students and especially those with only one parent.