Inner Child, Self-Esteem, and Mental Health in Jordanian University Students

Authors

Nusaiba A. Almousa, Department of Curriculum and Instructions, College of Education and Psychology, Amman Arab University, Amman, JordanFollow
Asma N Jaloudi, Department of Psychological and Educational Counseling, College of Educational and Psychological Sciences, Amman Arab University, Amman, JordanFollow
Bahjat A. Abu Suleiman, Department of Psychological and Educational Counseling, College of Educational and Psychological Sciences, Amman Arab University, Amman, JordanFollow
Hussein M. Tarawneh, Department of Psychological and Educational Counseling, College of Educational and Psychological Sciences, Amman Arab University, Amman, JordanFollow
Suhaila M. Banat, Department of Psychological and Educational Counseling, College of Educational and Psychological Sciences, Amman Arab University, Amman, JordanFollow

Abstract

The study investigated the influence of the inner child on the mental health of Jordanian university students, considering the mediating role of self-esteem. Using a descriptive analytical survey method, a simple random sample of 625 Jordanian university students was utilized. The study employed three scales: the inner child scale (18 items), the mental health scale (15 items), and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (10 items). Findings revealed that Jordanian university students demonstrated a high level of awareness of their inner child, mental health, and self-esteem. Statistical analysis indicated no significant differences (α ≤ 0.05) in the impact of inner child awareness on the mental health of Jordanian university students, considering the mediating role of self-esteem, based on variables such as sex, college, and educational level. Moreover, the study identified a positive correlation between inner child awareness and mental health, as well as a positive association between self-esteem and mental health. Consequently, the study recommends several actions, including conducting a longitudinal study to explore the impact of the inner child across various life stages (childhood, adolescence, youth, and old age).

Recommended Citation

A. Almousa, Nusaiba; N Jaloudi, Asma; A. Abu Suleiman, Bahjat; M. Tarawneh, Hussein; and M. Banat, Suhaila (2023) "Inner Child, Self-Esteem, and Mental Health in Jordanian University Students," Information Sciences Letters: Vol. 12 : Iss. 9 , PP -.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/isl/vol12/iss9/30