Predictive Role of Father Absence in Shaping Self-Esteem and Emotional Intelligence among Adolescent Girls: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in Rural West Bengal

Authors

Dr. Sonel Som

Associate Professor, Cooch Behar College, Cooch Behar, West Bengal (India)

Dr. Ujjal Senapati

Research Assistant , Department of Geography, Cooch Behar College, Cooch Behar, West Bengal (India)

Nandita Sutradhar

Field Investigator , Department of Geography, Cooch Behar College, Cooch Behar, West Bengal (India)

Article Information

DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI.2026.1303000141

Subject Category: geography

Volume/Issue: 13/3 | Page No: 1629-1637

Publication Timeline

Submitted: 2026-03-21

Accepted: 2026-03-26

Published: 2026-04-08

Abstract

In Indian society, the position of a father in maintaining the family, is very much crucial. The present research work aimed to examine the role of father absence due to migration for better economic opportunities, on the self-esteem and emotional intelligence among the adolescent girls in rural West Bengal, India. The study employed a cross-sectional quantitative design to collect the data from 1547 adolescent girls aged between 12 to 18 years across 63 schools and 4 colleges in Cooch Behar District of West Bengal, using stratified purposive sampling method. The psychological outcomes of these adolescent girls were documented using two standardized instruments namely Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire- Short Form (TEIQue-SF).

Keywords

Father absence; Left-behind children; Self-esteem; Emotional intelligence

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