SELF-ESTEEM AND FORGIVENESS AS PREDICTORS OF ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH: THE ROLES OF RESILIENCE AND SOCIAL SUPPORT

Abstract

Background: Adolescence is a critical developmental phase characterized by emotional vulnerability and rapid psychosocial changes. Identifying personal and environmental protective factors that enhance mental health during this period is essential. Self-esteem and forgiveness are recognized as key psychological strengths, while resilience and social support are considered important contextual buffers that promote positive adjustment and reduce psychological distress among adolescents.

Objective: The study aimed to examine the predictive roles of self-esteem and forgiveness on adolescent mental health, testing the mediating role of resilience and the moderating role of social support in these associations.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 adolescents (M = 15.6 years; 49.3% male; 50.7% female) from public and private secondary schools in Layyah, Lahore, and Swat, Pakistan. Participants completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Heartland Forgiveness Scale, Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test direct, mediating, and moderating effects.

Results: Self-esteem (β = .34, p < .001) and forgiveness (β = .28, p < .01) significantly predicted mental health. Resilience mediated the effects of self-esteem (β = .15, 95% CI [0.07, 0.24], p < .01) and forgiveness (β = .12, 95% CI [0.05, 0.20], p < .01) on mental health. Social support moderated both pathways, with stronger associations observed under high social support for self-esteem (β = .42 vs .21, p < .001) and forgiveness (β = .35 vs .18, p < .01).

Conclusion: The findings highlight that self-esteem and forgiveness significantly enhance adolescent mental health, particularly when reinforced by resilience and strong social support. Integrative school- and family-based interventions fostering these strengths may protect adolescents against psychological distress.