Self-Esteem, Gender Communication Patterns, and Opposite-Sex Friendship Acceptance among Adolescents Diagnosed with Psychological Distress in Uganda

This study investigated the relationship between self-esteem, gender communication patterns, and opposite-sex friendship acceptance among adolescents diagnosed with psychological distress in Uganda. A correlational design was adopted, with 159 adolescents (aged 13–19 years) purposively selected from secondary schools and health centers. Standardized instruments, including the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Gender Communication Pattern Scale, and the Opposite-Sex Friendship Acceptance Scale, were administered. Data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation and multiple regression. Results revealed significant positive correlations between opposite-sex friendship acceptance and self-esteem (r = .222, p < .01) as well as gender communication patterns (r = .632, p < .01). Together, self-esteem and gender communication patterns significantly predicted opposite-sex friendship acceptance, accounting for 39.2% of the variance, F(2,156) = 51.85, p < .01. However, gender communication patterns emerged as the strongest predictor (β = .631, p < .01), while self-esteem showed no unique contribution (β = .003, p > .05). The findings suggest that effective communication skills are critical for building and maintaining cross-gender friendships among distressed adolescents, while self-esteem alone may be insufficient. Counselling interventions should therefore prioritize communication skills training, alongside self-esteem enhancement, to promote positive peer relationships and psychosocial adjustment in this population.