ABSTRACT
This study examines the influence of perceived parental rejection on self-esteem among adolescents and their adult siblings within Bangladeshi family systems. Employing a cross-sectional survey design, data were gathered from 50 families, each comprising one adolescent (MeanAge = 12.50, SDAge = 1.50) and one adult (MeanAge = 20.98, SDAge = 2.37) sibling. The research investigates the effects of individual factors (age, gender and birth order) and family system variables (economic condition and family structure) on parental rejection and self-esteem perceptions. Adult and adolescent versions of the Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire (PARQ) short form for fathers and mothers and the self-esteem scale were administered. Findings reveal that adult siblings, especially firstborns, report higher levels of paternal rejection compared to adolescents. Gender analysis indicates that males perceive more significant paternal rejection than females. Mixed model analysis showed that perceived parental rejection significantly predicts lower self-esteem among siblings, with consistent effects across families. Furthermore, participants from nuclear families exhibit lower self-esteem compared to those from extended families, underscoring the protective role of extended family support. These results highlight the critical role of family dynamics in shaping self-esteem and suggest that mental health interventions should incorporate both immediate and extended family influences.