@article{ref1,
title="How gender- and violence-related norms affect self-esteem among adolescent refugee girls living in Ethiopia",
journal="Global mental health (Cambridge, England)",
year="2018",
author="Stark, L. and Asghar, K. and Seff, I. and Cislaghi, B. and Yu, G. and Tesfay Gessesse, T. and Eoomkham, J. and Assazenew Baysa, A. and Falb, K.",
volume="5",
number="",
pages="e2-e2",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests adolescent self-esteem is influenced by beliefs of how individuals in their reference group perceive them. However, few studies examine how gender- and violence-related social norms affect self-esteem among refugee populations. This paper explores relationships between gender inequitable and victim-blaming social norms, personal attitudes, and self-esteem among adolescent girls participating in a life skills program in three Ethiopian refugee camps. <br><br>METHODS: Ordinary least squares multivariable regression analysis was used to assess the associations between attitudes and social norms, and self-esteem. Key independent variables of interest included a scale measuring personal attitudes toward gender inequitable norms, a measure of perceived injunctive norms capturing how a girl believed her family and community would react if she was raped, and a peer-group measure of collective descriptive norms surrounding gender inequity. The key outcome variable, self-esteem, was measured using the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. <br><br>RESULTS: Girl's personal attitudes toward gender inequitable norms were not significantly predictive of self-esteem at endline, when adjusting for other covariates. Collective peer norms surrounding the same gender inequitable statements were significantly predictive of self-esteem at endline ( RESULTS:  = -0.130; RESULTS:   =  0.024). Additionally, perceived injunctive norms surrounding family and community-based sanctions for victims of forced sex were associated with a decline in self-esteem at endline ( RESULTS:  = -0.103; RESULTS:   =  0.014). Significant findings for collective descriptive norms and injunctive norms remained when controlling for all three constructs simultaneously. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest shifting collective norms around gender inequity, particularly at the community and peer levels, may sustainably support the safety and well-being of adolescent girls in refugee settings.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2054-4251",
doi="10.1017/gmh.2017.28",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/gmh.2017.28"
}