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Introduction: Subjective well‐being, an important index for measuring mental health, is presently declining among junior high school students. Envy, one of their common emotions, is inextricably linked to subjective well‐being. Based on the Dual Envy Theory, our research explores the bidirectional relationship between benign‐malicious envy and subjective well‐being. The mediating role of self‐esteem, as well as the related gender differences, is examined. Methods: Chinese middle school students (n = 1566, boys 50.3%, age = 13.96 ± 0.88 years old) were assessed at two time points over a 3‐month interval. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the longitudinal relationships among the variables. Results: (1) Cross‐lagged analysis showed a positive bidirectional relationship between benign envy and subjective well‐being and a negative bidirectional relationship between malicious envy and subjective well‐being in the total sample. However, the path from T1 subjective well‐being to T2 malicious envy in boys was not significant. (2) Self‐esteem mediated the relationship between both benign and malicious envy and subjective well‐being among both boys and girls. A Wald chi‐square test showed that T2 self‐esteem was a stronger predictor of T2 benign envy in boys than in girls. Conclusion: The results reveal a virtuous cycle of benign envy and subjective well‐being, and a vicious cycle of malicious envy and subjective well‐being, while emphasizing the role of self‐esteem in this process. Gender differences were also noted. These findings have important implications for improving the subjective well‐being of secondary school students and exploring the positive effects of envy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The current study aimed to examine the longitudinal associations among basic psychological need satisfaction at school (BPNSS), self‐esteem, and suicidal ideation (SI), including whether self‐esteem functioned as a mediator of the relations between BPNSS and SI at the within‐person level after disentangling between‐ and within‐person associations encompassing middle childhood to early adolescence. Methods: A total of 650 Chinese students (53.54% boys, Mage = 9.95, SD = 0.75 at Time 1) completed measures on four occasions across 1.5 years, using 6‐month intervals. Random intercept cross‐lagged panel models were applied to disaggregate between‐ and within‐person effects, thus providing greater confidence in elucidating the causal relations among study variables. Results: The results showed that at the within‐person level: (a) BPNSS negatively predicted SI; (b) BPNSS positively predicted self‐esteem; (c) Self‐esteem negatively predicted SI; and (d) BPNSS indirectly predicted SI via self‐esteem. Conclusion: These findings advanced the literature by demonstrating longitudinal associations among BPNSS, self‐esteem, and SI at the within‐person level, and highlighting the significance of distinguishing between‐ and within‐person effects in developing prevention and intervention programs aimed at reducing SI over time from middle childhood to early adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Adverse childhood experiences have long‐lasting effects on the self‐esteem of adolescents. However, the extrinsic mechanism linking them to self‐esteem, which is more modifiable, has rarely been examined. Therefore, this study examined the mediating roles of family, school, and peer social capital and the moderating role of gender in the association between adverse childhood experiences and adolescent self‐esteem. Methods: This study involved a cross‐sectional survey of first‐ and second‐grade students in the only high school in Wusu, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China. Data were collected in May 2023. A sample of 2539 students (M = 16.84 years old; 55.65% female) was included. The measurement models of family, school, and peer social capital were constructed using confirmatory factor analysis. The mediating roles of the three types of social capital and the moderating role of gender were examined using mediation analysis and multiple‐group analysis, respectively. Results: Family, school, and peer social capital significantly mediated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and adolescent self‐esteem, and family social capital played the strongest role. Gender significantly moderated the direct effect of adverse childhood experiences on self‐esteem. The direct effect was significant only among girls. Conclusions: This study underscores the protective role of social capital for self‐esteem among adolescents in Northwestern China and similar areas with relatively limited social services. Comprehensive interventions promoting social capital, especially family social capital, should be conducted to enhance self‐esteem among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Oftentimes as result of racism, cissexism, and heterosexism, many Latinx and sexual and gender minority (SGM) youth are victims of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence. These experiences of victimization are in part related to increased negative mental health outcomes such as decreased self‐esteem. Some research links LGBTQ‐specific parental support to mental health outcomes among Latinx SGM youth, yet, no research has explored the role of LGBTQ‐specific parental support with self‐esteem among Latinx SGM youth. Methods: In a sample of 1,012 Latinx SGM youth (ages 13–17), we assessed: (a) associations between sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence and self‐esteem, (b) association between LGBTQ‐specific parental support and self‐esteem, and (c) whether LGBTQ‐specific parental support moderated the relation between sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence and self‐esteem. Main effect and moderation analyses examined interactions between LGBTQ‐specific parental support with sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence on self‐esteem. Results: Latinx SGM youth experienced low levels of LGBTQ‐specific parental support and various degrees of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence. Also, transgender and nonbinary/genderqueer Latinx youth experienced lower self‐esteem than their Latinx cisgender counterparts. Increased LGBTQ‐specific parental support was related to increased self‐esteem. We also identified a significant interaction between sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence and LGBTQ‐specific parental support, such that parental support was more protective at low levels rather than high levels of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and violence among Latinx SGM youth. Conclusions: Findings add to a growing body of research about the importance of LGBTQ‐specific parental support for Latinx SGM youth, and the need to examine culturally appropriate approaches to understand parent‐child relationship among these communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionBullying victimization is detrimental to psychosocial wellbeing in adolescents. It is paramount that factors that mitigate the harmful effects of bullying victimization be identified. Time perspective may be a potential mechanism. Thus, we examined the moderating effect of time perspective on the associations between traditional and cyberbullying victimization (being bullied in person and on electronic media) and self-esteem in adolescents. Time perspective refers to feelings and thoughts about the past, present, and future. We examined time feelings (positive and negative feelings about the time periods), time frequency (frequency of thoughts about the time periods), and time relation (the perceived relationship among the time periods).MethodsTwo cross-sectional survey studies were conducted. Study 1 examined traditional bullying victimization in 721 American adolescents (Mage = 15.84, SD = 1.20; 57% female). Study 2 examined cyberbullying victimization in 190 American adolescents (Mage = 15.83, SD = 1.28; 59% female).ResultsHierarchical linear regression analyses indicated that time perspective dimensions moderated the associations between high levels of traditional and cyberbullying victimization and self-esteem in adolescents who (a) had strong positive and weak negative feelings about the present and future (time feelings); (b) thought a little about the past (time frequency); or (c) perceived all time periods as interrelated (time relation).ConclusionsTime perspective dimensions (feelings, frequency, and relation) moderated the associations between traditional and cyberbullying victimization and self-esteem in adolescents. Findings have implications for bullying victimization prevention efforts. Findings also demonstrate the multidimensional and multi-temporal qualities of time perspective.

Introduction: In older adolescence, stress has been found to be prevalent. It has been seen that higher physical activity (PA) relates to lower stress levels, which, in turn, relates to fewer anxiety and depressive symptoms (internalizing symptoms). However, how these associations function is not fully understood. PA is strongly associated with greater self‐esteem in adolescents. As greater self‐esteem is thought to aid better coping with stress and has been seen as beneficial for mental health in adolescents, PA may be associated with lower stress and better mental health through self‐esteem and more adaptive stress appraisals. Therefore, the aim of the study was to examine the relationships between PA, self‐esteem, stress, and mental health. Methods: A cross‐sectional design was employed, and path analysis was implemented. PA, self‐esteem, stress appraisals, distress tolerance, perceived stress, anxiety, and depression were assessed using online questionnaires from 244 adolescent participants from the United Kingdom (aged 15–19, M = 16.75 [SD = 0.82], 145 female). Results: Path analysis revealed that PA was associated with lower perceived stress through increased self‐esteem, adaptive appraisals, and higher distress tolerance (total standardized indirect effect; p =.007 (−0.25 to −0.11). Moreover, lower perceived stress was associated with lower anxiety (standardized direct effect; p <.001 [2.65–4.0] and depressive symptoms (standardized direct effect; p <.001 [0.33–0.63]). Conclusions: Findings suggest that higher PA could be effective in improving mental health among older adolescents, due to its association with perceived stress through higher self‐esteem and more adaptive appraisals of stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Parental conditional regard involves parents giving or withdrawing affection and approval, depending on children's and adolescents' compliance with parental expectations, to shape behaviors and traits. Research grounded in self‐determination theory suggests parental conditional regard harms psychological development. Using self‐determination theory as a theoretical foundation for investigating outcomes associated with parental conditional regard, the present study consolidated meta‐analytic associations between parental conditional regard and four theoretically important individual difference correlates: introjected self‐regulation, contingent self‐esteem, depressive symptoms, and relatedness. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was conducted using the PsycINFO, ProQuest, and EBSCO databases for English‐language, peer‐reviewed published studies and unpublished studies. Eligible studies reported an association between parental conditional regard and the four theoretically derived correlates or another correlate of interest in pre‐adolescent children, adolescents, or young adults. The results were based on a random‐effects model for meta‐analyses and the Q statistic for moderator analyses. Results: Across 31 samples in total, greater parental conditional regard was significantly associated with more introjected regulation (r =.33), contingent self‐esteem (r =.29), and level of depressive symptoms (r =.22); and less relatedness (r = −.24). Moderator results for parental conditional regard type found parental conditional regard's association with introjected regulation was significantly stronger for studies measuring giving regard (parental conditional positive regard) than withdrawing regard (parental conditional negative regard). The association of parental conditional regard with depressive symptoms was significantly stronger for studies measuring parental conditional negative regard than parental conditional positive regard. Conclusions: The meta‐analytic results provide theoretical and empirical support for the connections between self‐determination and the impact of parental conditional regard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Adolescents' information management behaviors involve calibrating interactions between the self and parents, which could serve as either risk or protective factors for self-esteem. Since a sense of control over life outcomes is a protective factor for overall well-being, it might account for links between youth information management and self-esteem. This longitudinal study examined whether youth's sense of control mediated associations between concealment and voluntary disclosure and their self-esteem, at both the between- and within-person levels., Methods: Late adolescents in Hong Kong (N = 350; 39.7% male; M ageT1  = 18.20) completed 16 bi-weekly reports of concealment and disclosure with mothers, their sense of control, and self-esteem. Multilevel structural equation modeling analyzed both concurrent and temporal associations., Results: At the between-person level, a diminished sense of control mediated relationships that higher concealment and lower disclosure respectively held with lower self-esteem. Within-person effects of concealment remained consistent across models examining concurrent and time-lagged associations. Greater concealment negatively predicted both concurrent and subsequent sense of control, which, in turn, predicted lower self-esteem. The concurrent associations model revealed that a stronger sense of control mediated a positive link between disclosure and self-esteem. The temporal associations model did not find significant time-lagged effects of disclosure., Conclusions: Concealment might be detrimental to adolescents' sense of control and self-esteem both temporarily and enduringly, while routine disclosures could provide temporary contributions to healthy self-perceptions. This research also emphasizes that a sense of control could be a focal point for interventions targeting youth who exhibit problematic information management., (© 2025 Foundation for Professionals in Services to Adolescents.)

Introduction: Adolescents' self-esteem is often associated with their mental health, and believed to be a protective factor against depression, anxiety, and stress. However, the underlying mechanisms of this relationship warrant further exploration. Employing a longitudinal design, this study investigates the relations between self-esteem and mental health in adolescents, considering the mediating influence of self-control and the moderating effect of parental autonomy support., Methods: A total of 1260 adolescents from China (45.9% male, 54.1% female, M age  = 15.98, SD age  = 0.97) participated in this study, completing self-reported questionnaires assessing self-esteem, self-control, parental autonomy support, and mental health issues (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress) across three time points over a 6-month period (with a 3-month interval between assessments)., Results: Controlling for baseline levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, adolescents' self-esteem reported at wave 1 positively correlated with depression (β = -0.17, p < 0.001), anxiety (β = -0.17, p < 0.001), and stress (β = -0.17, p < 0.001) in wave 3. Furthermore, self-control reported at wave 2 mediated these relations. Besides, perceived parental autonomy support was associated with a stronger link between self-esteem and self-control., Conclusion: The present study indicates the protective roles of self-esteem and self-control in relation to adolescents' mental health problems, while emphasizing the potential of a supportive family environment to strengthen these associations. The findings hold implications for the development of prevention and intervention strategies targeting adolescents' mental well-being., (© 2024 Foundation for Professionals in Services to Adolescents.)

Introduction: Adolescents with an immigrant background, whether first-generation (born abroad) or second-generation (at least one parent born abroad), face challenges that could compromise their psychological adjustment compared to their third-plus generation peers. Yet, many are developing positively despite the presence of adversity. To understand what contributes to these adolescents' resilience, it can be useful to study the coping strategies they use.Methods: A total of 1036 Canadian secondary school students participated in this quantitative cross-sectional study (Mage  = 12.9; 56% females; 26% first-generation; 34% second generation; 39% third-plus generation). Coping strategies (coping orientation to problems experienced inventory) were assessed and their differentiated associations with self-esteem, anxiety (Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders), and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) were analyzed through path analysis and invariance testing.Results: First-generation adolescents reported more acceptance/reinterpretation and substance use than second- and third-plus generation adolescents. First- and second-generation adolescents reported using religion more than third-plus generation adolescents. First-generation adolescents used self-distraction more often than second-generation adolescents, who used it more often than third-plus generation. The use of humor was more prevalent in second-generation adolescents compared with their third-plus generation peers. In addition, some associations between coping strategies and psychological adjustment differed across generations. In first-generation adolescents, behavioral disengagement was significantly associated with fewer anxiety symptoms. The same trend was observed in second-generation adolescents who used self-distraction. These avoidant strategies are generally associated with poor psychological adjustment.Conclusions: This study adds new knowledge about differences across generations in the coping strategies used by adolescents to deal with stress. Further practical implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The potential benefits of supportive interactions on social networking sites on adolescents' mental health are promising; however, no systematic evaluation has been conducted on this topic. This review examined empirical research on the relationship between social support derived from social networking sites and adolescents' mental health both theoretically and empirically.Methods: Followed PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic literature search on six English and three Chinese databases in February 2020. Four thousand one hundred and seventy-seven articles were screened first by title, then abstract, and lastly, full articles.Results: Fourteen studies (five English and nine Chinese) were identified, with total sample of 11,616 adolescents (age: 10-19 years; females: 42.7%-56.3%). Meta-analysis showed that the correlation of online social support with self-esteem was moderate and significant (r = .29), but with depression was small and insignificant (r = -.09). Sensitivity analysis indicated that social support from acquaintances on the internet may not be as beneficial as from real-life acquaintances. Despite that there isn't enough research on other specific mental health outcomes to run a quantitative synthesis, individual studies suggest that online social support (OSS) may be associated with increased self-identity and life satisfaction, decreased loneliness and social anxiety, it also counteracts the negative effect of stress and cyberbullying on mental health.Conclusions: OSS might be beneficial for adolescents' mental health, especially self-esteem, although the causal relationship requires longitudinal studies to confirm, and the underlying mechanisms need further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Framed by attachment and cognitive theories, the current meta-analysis tested the direct and indirect links among parenting dimensions (parental support, authoritative control, psychological control, and behavioral control), self-esteem, and depressive symptoms for children and adolescents., Methods: Based on 53 studies, and 74 independent samples, the present study used One-Stage Meta-analytic Structural Equation Modeling (OSMASEM) to investigate these links, including testing a mediation effect by self-esteem between parental support-, authoritative control-, psychological control-, behavioral control-, and depressive symptoms. It also tested for potential moderation effects by several variables., Results: The evidence indicated that parental support (β = .29), authoritative control (β = .23), and behavioral control (β = .07) are positive correlates of self-esteem, while psychological control (β = -.26) is a negative one. It also found that self-esteem was negatively associated with depressive symptoms (β range: -.49 to -.53). Furthermore, parental support (β = -0.14), authoritative control (β = -0.10), and behavioral control (β = -0.05) are negative correlates of depressive symptoms, while psychological control is a positive correlate (β = .11). OSMASEM also provided evidence that parental support, authoritative control, psychological control, and behavioral control are indirectly associated with depressive symptoms, via self-esteem., Conclusion: Parenting dimensions are associated with depressive symptoms both directly and indirectly. That is, self-esteem partially mediates the relationships between parental support, authoritative control, psychological control, and behavioral control with depressive symptoms. Furthermore, OSMASEM moderator tests provided evidence of several significant moderators, including age, sex, parenting measurement, and self-esteem measurement., (© 2024 Foundation for Professionals in Services to Adolescents.)

Introduction: Bullying among adolescents is a global public health issue prevalent in schools, posing significant risks to positive adolescent development. Studies have shown that bullied adolescents tend to engage in more bullying perpetration, but this underlying process of longitudinal correlation has not been fully elucidated., Methods: Based on two waves of longitudinal data collected from 347 junior and 144 senior high school students in China (M age  = 13.66 years, SD age  = 1.46, 59.27% boys) at 1-year intervals, two moderated chain-mediation models were used to explore the longitudinal correlations between bullying victimization and bullying perpetration and its underlying processes., Results: The results found a significant positive correlation between adolescents' bullying victimization experiences 1 year prior and bullying perpetration 1 year later. Furthermore, fear of negative evaluation and psychache played a longitudinal chain-mediating role in the process, with self-esteem and grade moderating this mediating pathway, either enhancing or weakening the effect., Conclusions: This study demonstrates that prior bullying victimization is longitudinally and positively associated with subsequent bullying perpetration among adolescents. This process is mediated by fear of negative evaluation and psychache, with self-esteem and grade level as moderators. Based on these conclusions, we have formulated the Threat-Motivation Model, offering a framework to understand the relationship between bullying victimization and bullying perpetration. Practical implications, including strategies to reduce bullying in youth groups, are discussed., (© 2024 Foundation for Professionals in Services to Adolescents.)

Introduction: Orphans are usually adopted by eligible families or raised by the government and organizations mutually. Although their basic needs are taken care of, the absence of parents in life makes orphans face higher risks of mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, leading to lower levels of self-esteem and happiness. Previous studies have shown that self-control may have an effect on improving self-esteem; thus, it could become a way to protect mental health. Building on the structural equation model, the current study tested the possible effects of self-control on levels of self-esteem and mental problems among Tibetan orphans.Methods: Participants were 143 adolescents from age 16 to 22 years (Mage  = 18.77, 54.8% female) from an institutionalized orphanage in Tibet and they completed questionnaires measuring self-esteem, self-control, and clinical symptoms (Symptom Checklist-90-Revised).Results and Conclusions: Self-control was negatively associated with psychological illness through improved self-esteem. The present study suggested that self-control was a protective factor for the mental health of adolescent orphans through influencing the levels of self-esteem. Limitations and future directions were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Our study sought to assess the interplay of family dynamics, namely familial warmth and LGBTQ+ specific rejection, and its association to self-esteem in a non-probabilistic sample of LGBTQ+ adolescents in the United States.Methods: Stratified by (1) cisgender and (2) transgender and non-binary LGBTQ+ adolescents (N = 8774), we tested multivariable regression analyses to assess the association between familial warmth and LGBTQ+ specific family rejection, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics. We then conducted a sub-analysis with LGBTQ+ adolescents who reported being out to any family member about their LGBTQ+ identity; specifically, we tested a series of multivariable regression models to assess whether levels of LGBTQ+ specific family rejection attenuated the association between familial warmth and self-esteem.Results: Full sample models indicated a positive association between familial warmth and self-esteem. Findings from our sub-analysis indicated that familial warmth remained positively linked to self-esteem and family rejection was negatively associated with self-esteem. Family rejection was a statistically significant moderator, attenuating the association between familial warmth and self-esteem. With respect to being out about one's sexual orientation, these findings were robust across gender stratification groups.Conclusions: Families of origin serve as sources of stress and resilience for LGBTQ+ adolescents. Our findings contribute support to arguments that familial warmth and LGBTQ+ specific rejection are not mutually-exclusive experiences among LGBTQ+ adolescents. We provide recommendations for multilevel interventions to leverage activities that support positive family dynamics and self-esteem among LGBTQ+ adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Whilst positive ethnic identity is associated with higher self-esteem, prosocial tendencies and peer acceptance, it is inversely associated with depressive symptoms and drug use among ethnic minority individuals. Negotiating ethnic identity is particularly challenging for 1.5-and second-generation migrant populations, finding themselves positioned between host culture and culture of origin. To inform positive youth development policies and practices, this systematic literature review aimed to identify factors influencing the negotiation of ethnic identity for 1.5-and second-generation Asian migrants living in high-income countries.Methods: A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted of peer-reviewed literature in four databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychInfo and Scopus. Articles were screened by title, abstract and full text to ascertain whether they met the inclusion criteria. Quality of studies were assessed using MMAT Version 2011. Mixed-method thematic analysis was used to synthesis the data according to Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Model.Results: Forty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. The review findings confirm a wide range of factors influencing the negotiation of ethnic identity from three systems in Bronfenbrenner's Ecological Model, most commonly from the macrosystem (e.g stereotyping), followed by microsystem (e.g family) and individual factors (e.g heritage language use).Conclusions: Results indicate negotiating ethnic identity can be challenging and difficult, where the culture/norms of country of origin and host country play a significant role. Positive youth development policies and practices need to reflect these wide range of factors. More research is needed in countries where data is not available to facilitate greater response to needs of this increasing population group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous personality research (e.g., Campbell et al., 2004) has described the sense of entitlement as an unifactorial construct. In this study, we examined characteristics of two potential facets of entitlement: exploitive entitlement, characterized by exploitive interactions and expectations of special treatment, and non-exploitive entitlement, or entitled beliefs that rest on notions of self-worth and fairness. 466 college students (mean age = 20.5) completed a questionnaire consisting of unifactorial and two-factor measures of entitlement and other personality dispositions and attitudes. As expected, both exploitive and non-exploitive entitlement were positively related to the Psychological Entitlement Scale (PES; r = .51 and r = .43, respectively), an unifactorial measure of entitlement. In other respects, exploitive and non-exploitive entitlement had quite distinct correlates. Exploitive entitlement was uniquely related to higher levels of psychopathy and neuroticism, and lower levels of work orientation, social commitment, and self-esteem; whereas non-exploitive entitlement was uniquely associated with higher self-esteem.

Introduction: Social withdrawal can be problematic for adolescents, increasing the risk of poor self-efficacy, self-esteem, and academic achievement, and increased levels of depression and anxiety. This prospective study follows students across adolescence, investigating links between social withdrawal and two types of parenting hypothesized to impact or be reactive to changes in social withdrawal.Methods: Adolescent social withdrawal and parenting were assessed across seven years in a U.S. sample, beginning when students were in 6th grade and ending in 12th grade. The sample consisted of 534 adolescents (260 girls and 274 boys, 82% Euro- and 16% African-American). Social withdrawal was assessed in four grades using at least two informants (teachers, mothers, and/or adolescents). Mothers' and fathers' psychological control and monitoring-related knowledge were assessed by adolescents at two time points. A developmental cascade analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling to assess how withdrawal and control-related parenting impact each other transactionally over time. Analyses included a test for gender differences in the model.Results: The cascade model revealed that, controlling for previous levels of social withdrawal and parenting, earlier social withdrawal positively predicted psychological control and negatively predicted monitoring knowledge, and earlier parental psychological control-but not monitoring knowledge-predicted later social withdrawal. No adolescent gender differences were identified in the associations between social withdrawal and parental knowledge.Conclusions: This study offers insight into the mechanisms by which adolescents become more or less withdrawn over time, and suggests psychological control as a point of psychoeducation or intervention for parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study firstly aimed to identify different profiles of narcissism and self-esteem in adolescents using latent profile analysis (LPA). A secondary aim was to examine associations between the identified profiles and subsequent measures of comprehensive mental health.Methods: Chinese adolescents (N = 1009, 50.8%girls, Mage = 12.99, SD = 0.66) completed a packet of measures on two occasions at 6-month intervals. Narcissism and self-esteem were assessed at Time 1. Positive and negative indicators of mental health were assessed at Time 2.Results: Latent profile analysis of narcissism and self-esteem identified six profiles: (1) high narcissism and high self-esteem; (2) high-moderate self-regard; (3) moderate self-regard; (4) low-moderate self-regard; (5) high narcissism but low self-esteem; (6) low self-regard. Adolescents in the high narcissism and high self-esteem and high-moderate self-regard profiles displayed positive mental health outcomes whereas adolescents in the high narcissism but low self-esteem and low self-regard profiles reported problematic mental health outcomes.Conclusion: Differing profiles of narcissism and self-esteem in adolescents were identified; these profiles provide new insight into the structure of self-concept for adolescents. Further, the identified profiles of narcissism and self-esteem were differentially related to subsequent comprehensive mental health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Individuals who experience bullying victimization are at increased risk for future health and social problems. Despite this, studies show that not all bullying victims are in ill health, suggesting the importance of investigating protective factors that could counteract the adverse effects. The present study focused on investigating the moderating effects of emotional competence (EC) in the relationship between cyber-bullying victimization (CV) and mental health among adolescents.Methods: Responses from 6403 adolescents aged 12 to 18 (1925 male, 4478 female, Mage = 16.35, SD = 1.46) with no missing data were used for analysis. The cross-sectional data analyzed in the present study was a part of a large longitudinal online survey conducted by the University of Tokyo in Japan. Participants were recruited among adolescent users of a social networking service widely used in Japan for communication.Results: Results of regression analysis showed significant direct effects of CV on psychological distress/self-esteem, confirming the adverse effects of victimization. Results also suggested that high intrapersonal EC weakened the relationship between CV and psychological distress, whereas high interpersonal EC strengthened the relationship. There were no significant interactions between CV and EC in predicting self-esteem.Conclusions: Intrapersonal and interpersonal EC may play differential moderating roles in the relationship between CV and psychological distress, the former by buffering the effect and the latter by exacerbating it. Interventions targeting abilities to handle one's own emotions may help decrease distress among adolescents with CV experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Identifying protective factors against internalizing behaviors during adolescence is a public health priority, as rates of depression and anxiety are rising. As such, the purpose of this study was to examine whether prosocial engagement toward strangers and family members is protective against depressive and anxiety symptoms, and whether this link is mediated by character strengths (i.e., hope, persistence, gratitude, and self-esteem).Method: The sample consisted of 500 US adolescents (52% female; 66% European American; 33% from single-parent families). Data across three consecutive yearly waves were utilized in the current study (Mage Time 1 = 13.32).Results: Results of a longitudinal structural equation model revealed prosocial behavior toward strangers and family members were differentially related to character strengths, and that prosocial behavior toward strangers was indirectly associated with depressive symptoms via self-esteem.Conclusion: Taken together, findings extend the Developmental Cascades model and suggest that prosocial behavior and character strengths protect against depressive symptoms during the adolescent period. Findings are discussed in the context of relevant research and theory, and implications for future research and intervention programs are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Utrecht-Management of Identity Commitments Scale (U-MICS; Crocetti, Rubini, & Meeus, 2008) is a self-report scale that can be applied to measure three identity processes (commitment, in-depth exploration, and reconsideration of commitment) in specific domains. The current study was aimed at testing the applicability of the U-MICS in two new languages: Arabic and Hebrew. Specifically, we (a) tested the fit of the three-factor structure; (b) examined measurement invariance of the Arabic and Hebrew versions; and (c) investigated convergent validity by relating the identity processes (commitment, in-depth exploration, and reconsideration of commitment) to multiple indicators of psychosocial adjustment (self-esteem, prosocial behaviors, and delinquency).Methods: Participants were 314 Arab and 386 Jewish adolescents living in Israel (N = 770; 54.7% girls; Mage = 13.79, SDage = 0.51, age-range = 12-15). Assessments of identity processes, self-esteem, and delinquency were collected using self-report measures, while prosocial behaviors were measured through peer nominations.Results: The results highlighted that (a) the three-factor model fit the data excellently in the total sample as well as in Arab and Jewish samples; (b) hierarchical levels of measurement invariance (configural, metric, and scalar), as well as invariance of covariances, could be clearly established; and (c) convergent validity was demonstrated by showing meaningful associations between identity processes and indicators of psychosocial functioning.Conclusions: This study indicates that the U-MICS is a reliable instrument for assessing identity processes in Arabic and Hebrew-speaking adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The current study addresses how sexualizing online media practices, i.e., exposure to sexually explicit internet material and receiving negative appearance feedback on social media, relate to the acceptance of sexist attitudes among adolescents. Specifically, it extends previous research on the acceptance of rape myths by exploring a construct related to these beliefs, i.e., resistance towards the metoo-movement.Methods: The study is based on a cross-sectional paper-and-pencil survey among 568 Flemish adolescents (15-18 years old, Mage = 16.4, SD = .98, 58.3% girls) that measured adolescents' sexualizing online media use, sexist attitudes and objectification processes.Results: The results showed that exposure to sexually explicit internet material, but not receiving negative appearance feedback on social media, was related to more resistance towards the metoo-movement and the acceptance of rape myths through notions of women as sex objects. Self-objectification did not function as a valid mediator in the examined relations. Gender and self-esteem did not moderate the proposed relations.Conclusions: The findings underline the role of media use in how adolescents develop sexist beliefs and, more precisely, beliefs about contemporary actions to combat sexism, i.e., the metoo-movement. The present study showed that sexual objectification fueled by sexually explicit internet material may result in less positive attitudes and, thus, more resistance towards this movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Identity integration, as opposed to identity diffusion, has been associated with greater self-esteem, meaning in life, and functioning. Trauma may have negative effects on identity; however, few studies have examined trauma and identity among adolescents, particularly those with psychiatric disorders. Moreover, factors that may promote healthy identity in adolescents who have experienced trauma have not been identified. This study aimed to test associations between childhood maltreatment and identity diffusion among adolescents with psychiatric disorders, and evaluated reflective function (RF) as a mediator of these associations.Methods: 107 adolescents (Mage = 15.36, 75.7% female) who were inpatient at a psychiatric hospital in the United States completed self-report measures of childhood maltreatment (physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; physical and emotional neglect; total maltreatment), identity diffusion, and RF. Path analysis was used to test two models of the relations between childhood maltreatment, RF, and identity diffusion.Results: Total maltreatment and all forms of maltreatment except physical abuse were significantly associated with identity diffusion at the bivariate level. In path analysis (Model 1), emotional and physical neglect were directly associated with identity diffusion, and RF mediated the association between emotional abuse and identity diffusion. In Model 2, RF partially mediated the association between overall level of maltreatment and identity diffusion.Conclusions: Emotional abuse, emotional neglect, physical neglect, and total combined maltreatment exposure may be risk factors for adolescent identity diffusion. Targeting RF may help to build healthy identity among adolescents with symptoms of psychiatric disorders who have experienced maltreatment, particularly emotional abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Parental behavioural control is believed to be beneficial for young children. However, with increased need for independence during adolescence, parental rules may undermine self-beliefs.Methods: The current study examined the effect of behavioural control, plus parental support and psychological control, on the self-esteem and self-criticism of 243 Australian adolescents (mean age = 12.08, 52% female) over two years.Results: Behavioural control largely did not predict self-esteem. Furthermore, in girls it predicted higher self-criticism 12 and 24 months later. Behavioural control does not appear to benefit adolescents' self-cognitions and, in fact, increases self-criticism in girls.Conclusions: By providing copious rules around appropriate behaviours, parents may possibly indicate to girls that they are not capable of becoming independent, thus reducing feelings of competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: While there has been much empirical work demonstrating the deleterious effects of low self-esteem on adolescent depression, very little of this has been conducted in low-to middle-income countries. Furthermore, one's trait-emotional intelligence (TEI) has rarely been examined in interaction with self-esteem to predict adolescent depression. To address these gaps, the current brief report examined the interacting effects of TEI on the associations of self-esteem and depressive symptoms. Age differences were also considered given developmental trends indicating significant variability in depression across adolescence.Methods: A cross-sectional sample of 334 Jamaican adolescents aged 10-18 years (M = 14.74, SD = 1.95, 51% boys) completed surveys measuring self-esteem, TEI and depressive symptoms.Results& Conclusions: Older adolescents reported greater depressive symptoms and less self-esteem compared to younger adolescents, and correlations showed that less self-esteem and TEI associated with more depressive symptoms. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed a significant three-way interaction whereby the buffering effect of TEI on the association of self-esteem and depressive symptoms was different for younger vs older adolescents. The findings provide further support for the effects of self-esteem and TEI on depressive symptoms, and indicate the importance for future studies in the Caribbean to examine these associations over time given the significant age differences revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: During adolescence, youngsters are faced with the challenging task of forming an identity. This process can be either supported or hindered by adolescents' family context. The present study used a six-process model of personal identity including the five identity processes described by the dual-cycle model of identity (exploration in breadth, commitment making, exploration in depth, identification with commitment, and ruminative exploration) as well as a sixth identity process of reconsideration of commitment, commonly described in the three-factor model of identity. In the current investigation, we sought to evaluate how adolescents in identity statuses derived from this six-process model differed based on psychological adjustment, perceived family climate, and family communication.Method: A total of 1105 Swiss adolescents (Mage = 15.08; 51% female) completed self-report questionnaires at one time point. Using a person-centered approach, identity statuses were empirically derived and unique profiles for each identity status were identified.Results: We identified six identity statuses: Achievement, Foreclosure, Ruminative Moratorium, Reconsidering Achievement, Troubled Diffusion, and Carefree Diffusion. Statuses with the highest degree of commitment showed the most optimal profiles of psychological adjustment and perceived family climate, whereas those with the lowest levels of commitment demonstrated the least optimal profiles. Adolescents in the Reconsidering Achievement status, however, reported high levels of both parental support and psychological control.Conclusion: The use of the six-process model of identity allowed for the derivation of six identity statuses and provided further insight into how adolescents in different identity statuses confront identity-related issues in the context of their family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Supportive mothering buffers against adolescent deviance, but the precise mechanisms underlying this relationship are poorly understood. The current investigation tested the extent to which self-esteem mediated the maternal support-deviance link and whether it varied by adolescent age and sex.Methods: Data were collected from 911 middle and high school students in the rural South (53.6% female, Mage = 14.70 years). Main model tests were completed in SEM.Results: Results indicated that maternal support and self-esteem were positively associated and negatively to deviance, and that self-esteem mediated the support-deviance link. These associations did not differ by adolescent age. However, moderating effects by sex were significant, where maternal support had a greater effect on girls' self-esteem, while self-esteem had a greater effect on boys' deviance.Conclusions: Findings provide some evidence of how maternal support is associated with a positive self-concept that in turn decreases the likelihood of engaging in deviant behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present longitudinal study tested for the role of perceived parental autonomy-support and late adolescents' self-worth in their intimacy development. A sample of 497 Belgian late adolescents (Mage = 17.9, 43.5% girls) participated in this two-wave study. Results indicated that perceived autonomy-supportive parenting did not relate significantly to change in adolescents' experienced intimacy (in terms of closeness and mutuality), but was associated with a decrease in unmitigated agency (an excessive focus on the self) and unmitigated communion (an excessive focus on the other) across time. Adolescents' self-worth predicted an increase in experienced intimacy and a decrease in unmitigated agency and communion, and the initial level of experienced intimacy predicted an increase in self-worth. Finally, results suggested that adolescents' self-worth may mediate some of the longitudinal relations between perceived parental autonomy-support and adolescents' intimate functioning. No evidence was found for moderation by romantic involvement, gender or age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Individuals who are more strongly invested in their appearance, appearance schematics, have a tendency to engage in appearance-related comparison. Appearance schematicity consists of two components. The self-evaluative component concerns the degree to which appearance is central to self-worth, referred to as dysfunctional appearance beliefs. Motivational salience refers to the engagement in behaviors designed to enhance appearance, such as body surveillance. Based on a three-wave panel survey of 973 Flemish preadolescents (Mage = 11.15, SD = 1.13) we found that the motivational and self-evaluative components had a different impact on media internalization. For preadolescents who engaged in more body surveillance, watching television resulted in more media internalization. For preadolescents who had fewer dysfunctional appearance beliefs, watching television resulted in more media internalization. These findings suggest that appearance schematicity is an important susceptibility variable in the relationship between TV-exposure and media internalization, and emphasize the importance of investigating individual dispositions beyond gender differences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using data from N = 10,148 American youth (Mage = 15.18) who participated in the National Comorbidity Survey Adolescent Supplement, we tested whether duration of involvement in specific organized activities was associated with different sources of social support, and whether these links explained the health-related benefits affiliated with participation. Duration of involvement in certain activities was differentially associated with support from peers, teachers, and other adults, and many of these links partially mediated associations between involvement and well-being. Specifically, greater duration of sports involvement was indirectly associated with higher self-esteem and greater physical activity through greater adult support. Greater duration of club involvement was indirectly associated with greater physical activity through higher adult support and greater duration of music involvement was indirectly associated with lower substance use and greater self-esteem through greater teacher support. Prolonged engagement in specific activities may cultivate certain types of supportive relationships, which may promote adolescent well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tendency to keep secrets in adolescents has been studied in particular in their relationships with their parents and associated with psychosocial disadvantages. The current study focused on peer relationships and investigated the effects of friendship quality, loneliness in a multidimensional perspective, and self-esteem on secrecy from friends. Italian adolescents (N = 457; 47% male; 100% white) aged between 13 and 19 years (M = 16.11; SD = 1.53) reported their secrecy from friends, peer and parent-related loneliness, aversion and affinity for aloneness, their self-esteem and the quality of their relationships with their friends. The results showed that peer-related loneliness, affinity for aloneness and self-esteem in particular affect keeping secrets from friends, independent of the participant's gender. Moreover, peer-related loneliness and affinity for aloneness mediated the relationship between self-esteem and secrecy. The data were discussed in the light of adolescence developmental tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined age-trends and longitudinal bidirectional relations in self-esteem and prosocial behavior toward strangers, friends, and family over a four-year time period (age 11 to 14). A total of 681 adolescents were recruited in the United States (51% girls, 28% single parent families). A longitudinal panel model was conducted and the results showed that adolescent self-esteem was associated longitudinally with subsequent prosocial behavior toward strangers, and earlier prosocial behavior toward strangers promoted subsequent self-esteem. There were no such bidirectional relations between self-esteem and prosocial behavior toward friends and family. Findings also highlight the complexity of adolescent development of selfesteem and the multidimensional nature of prosocial behavior. Discussion focuses on understanding the dynamic interplay between adolescent selfesteem and prosocial behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review analyzed longitudinal studies examining the effects of sexually explicit material on adolescents' attitudes, beliefs and behaviors. The review also aimed to provide an analysis of the limitations of the existing studies, as well as recommendations for future research. To be included, publications had to employ repeated measurements, include a measure of sexually explicit material use and participants aged 18 years or under. A total of 20 papers from nine different research projects were reviewed. The results show that sexually explicit material is associated with sexual behavior, sexual norms and attitudes, gender attitudes, self-esteem, sexual satisfaction, uncertainty and preoccupancy. In addition, the studies reported developmental effects on adolescents' behavioral, cognitive and emotional well-being. Because experimental studies among adolescents are not feasible, more methodologically rigorous longitudinal studies-followed by a meta-analysis-are needed to further our understanding of the effects of sexually explicit material in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teachers play an important role in shaping the experiences of high school students with regard to patterns of heteronormativity and binary gender norms, particularly for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) students. A climate survey of high school students (n = 953) in the United States examined the association between students' well-being and their relationships with teachers. The sample was majority white (65.8%) and multiracial (14.1%). Cisgender (cis)-girls (49.6%), cis-boys (41.2%), and trans students (9.2%), as well as heterosexual (78.4%) and LGBQ students (21.6%) were represented. Regression models indicate teachers' use of oppressive language and their intervention in situations of bias and students' trust and comfort with teachers were significantly associated with students' self-esteem. Teachers' use of biased language was directly associated with student self-reported grades. Moderation tests indicate teacher relationships are strongly associated with heterosexual and cisgender students' wellbeing. Recommendations for teacher education and future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the moderating role of contingent self-worth on the relationships between school stressors and psychological stress responses among Japanese adolescents. A total of 371 Japanese junior high school students (184 boys and 187 girls, Mage = 12.79 years, SD = 0.71) completed the Japanese version of the Self-Worth Contingency Questionnaire and a mental health checklist at two points separated by a two-month interval. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were then used to determine whether contingent self-worth moderated the relationship between school stressors and psychological stress responses. The results indicated that, when psychological stress responses were controlled for at Time 1, contingent self-worth did not predict the psychological stress responses at Time 2. However, a two-way interaction between contingent self-worth and stressors was found to significantly influence psychological stress responses, thus indicating that stressors had a stronger impact on psychological stress responses among those with high contingent self-worth compared to those with low contingent self-worth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the advantages that the development of new technologies has brought to our lives, it is also true that the problematic use of technology can have negative effects on some people, as the prevalence of nomophobia, defined as the fear and anxiety of being unreachable via one's mobile phone. While some authors are beginning to study the relationship of nomophobia with variables such as age, no investigation has yet been carried out into psychological variables. Our study contributes to the literature by looking at personality, self-esteem, gender and age as predictors of nomophobia, evaluated by the Mobile Phone Involvement Questionnaire (MPIQ). The study comprised 242 Spanish students (46.7% men and 53.3% women; 49.2% studying for a high school certificate and 50.8% for a university degree). Multiple regressions were conducted, finding that self-esteem, extraversion, conscientiousness and emotional stability predict nomophobia. Finally, we discuss these results and provide suggestions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth contributions to others (e.g., volunteering) have been connected to indicators of successful development, including self-esteem, optimism, social support, and identity development. Youth-adult partnerships, which involve youth and adults working together towards a shared goal in activity settings, such as youth-serving agencies or recreation organizations, provide a unique opportunity for examining youth contributions. We examined associations between measures of youth's participation in youth-adult partnerships (psychological engagement and degree of partnering) in activity settings and youth contributing behaviors, in two Canadian samples: (a) community-involved youth (N = 153, mean age = 17.1 years, 65% female) and (b) undergraduates (N = 128, mean age = 20.1 years, 92.2% female). We found that degree of partnering and psychological engagement were related to each other yet independently predicted contributing behaviors. Our findings suggest that youth-adult partnerships might be one potentially rich context for the promotion of youth's contributions to others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although a quarter of adolescents are likely to experience emotional and psychological difficulties, only a third of them will seek professional help. In this exploratory study we undertook focus groups with 54 adolescents between the ages of 13 and 16 in eight post-primary schools in Northern Ireland. Young people do not trust their GPs, perceiving them as strangers, impersonal and uncaring. The basis of distrust is different among males and females. The findings are discussed in light of adolescents' developmental challenges of identity formation and the consequent demand to be respected and taken seriously by adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The perception of one's body image becomes particularly important in adolescence. Body dissatisfaction has been associated with negative psychological functioning, such as self-esteem and depression. Previous findings showed that the decreased self-esteem due to body dissatisfaction explained the association between negative attitude toward body and psychological well-being in different cultural contexts. The present study examined adolescents from the US (N = 1002) and Korea (N = 3993) and replicated and extended the previous findings regarding body dissatisfaction and associated psychological outcomes. The results showed that body dissatisfaction predicted higher depressed mood and that self-esteem mediated this association for both American and Korean adolescents. Notably, the indirect effect of body dissatisfaction and perceived body image on depressed mood via self-esteem was greater for American adolescents than for Korean adolescents. The implications of the cultural difference in the significance of self-esteem in mediating the body dissatisfaction and depressed mood are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined how social media use related to sleep quality, self-esteem, anxiety and depression in 467 Scottish adolescents. We measured overall social media use, nighttime-specific social media use, emotional investment in social media, sleep quality, self-esteem and levels of anxiety and depression. Adolescents who used social media more - both overall and at night - and those who were more emotionally invested in social media experienced poorer sleep quality, lower self-esteem and higher levels of anxiety and depression. Nighttime-specific social media use predicted poorer sleep quality after controlling for anxiety, depression and self-esteem. These findings contribute to the growing body of evidence that social media use is related to various aspects of wellbeing in adolescents. In addition, our results indicate that nighttime-specific social media use and emotional investment in social media are two important factors that merit further investigation in relation to adolescent sleep and wellbeing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethnic identity has been found to relate to many positive psychological outcomes, such as self-esteem and well-being, but little has been said about negative social outcomes such as aggression, nor have these relations been tested across time. The current study examined the concurrent and longitudinal relations between ethnic identity and peer nominated aggression at two time points with a two-year interval (8th and 10th grades) in a sample of 125 Israeli adolescents with an immigration background (56.8% girls). As hypothesized, ethnic identity related negatively to aggression at both T1 and T2. In addition, ethnic identity predicted a relative decrease in future aggression. Given these findings, the article suggests the importance of strengthening ethnic identity through interventions and educational programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has demonstrated that body satisfaction and self-esteem are highly correlated in adolescence, but reasons are poorly understood. We tested three explanations: (i) the two constructs are actually one; (ii) the correlation is explained by a third factor; (iii) there are prospective relationships between body satisfaction and self-esteem. A population based sample of Norwegian adolescents (n = 3251) was examined four times over a 13-year period. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that body satisfaction and self-esteem were separate constructs and the correlation between them was not attenuated when adjusting for 3rd variables. Autoregressive cross-lagged analysis showed reciprocal relations between body satisfaction and self-esteem. The prospective relationship between body satisfaction during adolescence and self-esteem in late adolescence and emerging adulthood was stronger than at later stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As society continues to advocate an unrealistically thin body shape, awareness and internalization of appearance and its consequent impact upon self-esteem has become increasingly of concern, particularly in adolescent girls. School gender environment may influence these factors, but remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to assess differences between two different school environments in appearance attitudes, social influences and associations with self-esteem. Two hundred and twelve girls (M = 13.8 years) attending either a single-sex or co-educational school completed measures on socio-cultural attitudes towards appearance, social support and self-esteem. Though marginal differences between school environments were found, significantly higher internalization was reported among girls at the co-educational school. School environment moderated relations between internalization and self-esteem such that girls in co-educational environments had poorer self-esteem stemming from greater internalization. Thus, in a single-sex school environment, protective factors may attenuate negative associations between socio-cultural attitudes towards appearance and self-esteem in adolescent girls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined, within the context of the Contingencies of Self-Worth model, state-based associations between self-esteem and body satisfaction using the experience sampling method. One hundred and forty-four adolescent girls (mean age = 14.28 years) completed up to 6 assessments per day for one week using Palm Digital Assistants, in addition to baseline measures of trait body satisfaction and self-esteem. Results showed considerable variation in both state-based constructs within days, and evidence of effects of body satisfaction on self-esteem, but not vice versa. Although these state-based associations were small in size and weakened as the time lag between assessments increased for the sample as a whole, individual differences in the magnitude of these effects were observed and predicted by trait self-esteem and body satisfaction. Collectively, these findings offer support for key tenets of the Contingencies of Self-Worth model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on posttraumatic growth (PTG), positive psychological changes that may occur as a result of highly stressful life events, reveals adolescents are able to experience PTG. The current study tests individual differences among adolescents in relative importance of PTG and examines the relationships among personally important PTG, commonly defined PTG, and self-esteem. Adolescents (N = 145) with the mean age of 15.75 (SD = 1.13) completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and PTG Inventory, and then reported which items on the PTG Inventory were personally important to them. Results indicated within-scale differences in item importance on the PTG Inventory. Personally important PTG was a better predictor of adolescent self-esteem than commonly defined PTG, measured as total PTGI score or each of the five factors. These findings suggest future research should look at both short-term and long-term effects of personally important PTG as well as commonly defined PTG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research examined the relationship between multiple social identifications and self-esteem. Early adolescents (M = 11.4, SD = .95) and mid-adolescents (M = 15.9, SD = 1.18) from Germany and Israel (n = 2337) were studied. Respondents described their social identification as students, family members, and as members of the majority national group and reported self-esteem. A longitudinal, cross-sectional and cross-cultural design revealed, as predicted, multiple social identifications related positively to self-esteem concurrently; they also related positively to self-esteem longitudinally over the course of a year. Moreover, multiple social identifications were found to be antecedent to self-esteem, not vice versa. Finally, multiple social identifications were found to decrease over time. The article discusses the contribution of multiple social identifications to self-esteem at different ages and in various contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined self-esteem as mediator in the relations of personal (extraversion, neuroticism) and environmental (maternal, paternal, peer-relationships) variables with domains of positive psychological functioning (PPF) in adolescence (Satisfaction with life, Mastery, Vigor, Social Interest, Social Cheerfulness). We compared one-sided and multidimensional models using a sample of 1193 high school students (592 males and 601 females). We examined variations in adolescent PPF as a function of parenting styles via independent examination of maternal and paternal bonding. Results supported the multidimensional models, which indicated direct effects of personality traits, maternal care and peer relationships, as well as indirect effects, mediated by self-esteem, of all predictors on most PPF dimensions. Overall, our study provided a broader picture of personal and environmental predictors on different dimensions of PPF, which supported the mediating role of self-esteem and emphasized the importance of considering multidimensional models to characterize PPF in adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the impact, reported by students and their teachers, of a universal, school-based, social-emotional learning program, implemented in three school years on the social-emotional competencies of middle school students (7th to 9th grade). It also analyzes, at post-test and follow-up, the differential results by gender and among students with lower levels of competence. There were 1091 participants, 855 students received the treatment condition (i.e., Project Attitude) and 236 students the control condition. Self-reports identified positive intervention results in social awareness, self-control, self-esteem, social isolation and social anxiety, teachers reported gains in all dimensions. These positive effects were stably effective along the three cohorts. Self-reports also identified bigger gains for girls in social awareness and for boys in social anxiety, self-esteem and leadership. Students with initial lower levels of competence benefited more from the intervention, especially at follow-up. These results support the effectiveness of social-emotional learning programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parent relationships remain an important component in the lives of adolescents, with particular respect to their well-being. In the current study, we sought to understand how changes in family cohesion across the high school–college transition may be related to changes in depressive symptoms. Three hundred and thirty-eight college freshman completed self-report measures prior to attending college and again two months into their first semester. Although depressive symptoms significantly increased, adolescents who reported increases in family cohesion reported declines in depressive symptoms during the college transition. Furthermore, this effect was mediated by changes in self-esteem and optimism. Finally, we show unique associations for male and female adolescents, such that changes in family cohesion were only related to changes in depression for girls. Results suggest that parent relationships may buffer against increased depressive symptoms during this important transition period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]