Mental Health Outcomes in Adolescents: A Study of Self-Esteem and Forgiveness as Protective Factors

Abstract

This study examines the effect of self-esteem and forgiveness on the mental health of adolescents. Grounded in positive psychology, the research explores how personal strengths such as forgiveness and self-worth contribute to emotional well-being during a critical developmental stage. Using a correlational design, data were collected from 200 adolescents (120 males, 80 females) aged 13–18, selected from Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan. Participants completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Heartland Forgiveness Scale, and Mental Health Continuum-Short Form. Findings revealed significant positive correlations between self-esteem, forgiveness, and mental health. Regression analysis indicated that both self-esteem and forgiveness significantly predicted mental health. Gender differences were also notable: males reported higher self-esteem and better mental health, while females showed greater levels of forgiveness. These results highlight the psychological benefits of cultivating self-worth and the ability to forgive in adolescence. The study suggests the need for gender-sensitive mental health interventions that foster emotional resilience and interpersonal harmony. While the findings provide valuable insights, the study's cross-sectional design and limited demographic scope restrict generalizability. Future research should adopt longitudinal approaches and consider broader sociocultural variables. Overall, this study emphasizes the crucial role of self-esteem and forgiveness in promoting adolescent mental well-being.