Self‐control protects Tibetan adolescent orphans from mental problems

A mediating role of self‐esteem

Bibliographic Data

ID21444580
AuthorsMiao Zheng (0009-0001-3189-9317, Department of Psychology Tsinghua University Beijing China), Kaiping Peng (0000-0001-8515-3409, Department of Psychology Tsinghua University Beijing China, corresponding author), Wei Yan (0000-0002-3060-4353, Department of Psychology Tsinghua University Beijing China), Yujing Lin (0000-0003-0129-0401, Department of Psychology Tsinghua University Beijing China), Zijun Ni (0009-0007-8163-533X, Department of Psychology Tsinghua University Beijing China), Peng Zhang (0000-0001-6953-800X, Department of Psychology Tsinghua University Beijing China, corresponding author)
Year2022
Volume94
Issue2
Pages253-263
Publication date2022-02-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Adolescence (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0140-1971 • E-ISSN: 1095-9254
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1002/jad.12025
PMID35353423
OpenAlexW4214825505
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited45

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: = 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.

Anxiety · Checklist · Depression (economics) · Developmental psychology · Happiness · Mental health · Mental illness · Psychiatry · Self · Self-control · Self-esteem · Structural equation modeling · Agricultural risk and resilience · Behavioral Health and Interventions · Clinical Psychology · Psychological Well-being and Life Satisfaction · Psychology · Social Psychology