The Mediating Role of Exposure to Physical IPV in the Association between Psychological IPV and Self-esteem in Adolescents during COVID-19

Prior literature examines the direct relationship between Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and selfesteem. This article explores the possibility that physical IPV mediates this relationship. 58 adolescents aged 10 to 17 were included in this study from Kerala, India. The sample was chosen using a convenient and random sampling method. Child Exposure to Domestic Violence scale and Coopersmith Self-Esteem scale were used to collect the data. Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used for the data analysis. Mediation analysis reveals that physical IPV mediates the association between psychological IPV and the self-esteem of adolescents. To protect children's and adolescents' physical and mental health during and after the pandemic, health care professionals must be vigilant and need to screen actively and identify children or adolescents affected by IPV.