Media Exposure and Adolescent Self-Esteem in Western Kenya

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between media exposure and adolescent self-esteem in Western Kenya, a region characterised by high levels of media access among adolescents and growing concerns about their psychosocial well-being. This study employed a descriptive survey and correlational research design targeting adolescent students in Kakamega, Kisii, and Siaya Counties. A stratified random sample of 417 Form 2 and Form 3 secondary school students (aged 15–16 years) and 48 class teachers was selected from national, extra-county, county, and sub-county schools in Kakamega, Kisii, and Siaya Counties. Data collection involved structured questionnaires, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and focus group discussions. For quantitative analysis, descriptive statistics, Spearman’s rho correlation, and ordinal regression were applied, while qualitative data from the discussions helped explain adolescents’ lived experiences and views on media influence on self-esteem. Findings revealed predominantly weak and statistically nonsignificant relationships between media exposure (radio, television, and social media) and self-esteem. The results indicated a small but meaningful positive association between mobile phone use and the variable of interest (ρ = 0.101, p < 0.05). However, regression analysis indicated that media exposure was not a significant predictor of self-esteem, explaining only 1.5 per cent of the variance. Qualitative findings suggested that excessive media use may negatively influence self-esteem through social comparison and reduced confidence. The study concludes that media exposure has minimal predictive influence on adolescent self-esteem. It recommends guided media use, enhanced digital literacy, and strengthened school-based psychosocial support systems. The findings contribute to informed policy and practice in adolescent mental health and education.