The Nexus Between Belongingness and Self-Esteem in University Students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54536/jtel.v3i1.3782Keywords:
Belongingness, Mental Bealth, Philippines, Self-EsteemAbstract
This study explores the relationship between belongingness and self-esteem among university students, with a focus on how these factors influence psychological well-being and academic success. Self-esteem is a critical component of psychological health, plays a pivotal role in shaping attitudes, behaviors, and academic engagement, and a strong sense of belonging positively impacts self-esteem and overall mental health. Using a correlational, non-experimental quantitative design, data were collected from 220 students across two universities in the Philippines using standardized instruments: the Psychological Sense of School Membership (PSSM) scale and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Results indicate a statistically significant positive relationship between belongingness and self-esteem, with belongingness also serving as a predictor of positive mental health outcomes. Although belongingness accounts for 11.5% of the variance in mental health, the findings underscore the importance of fostering an inclusive and supportive campus environment to enhance students’ well-being and academic performance. These results have implications for developing institutional strategies that promote social integration and mental health support within educational settings.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Ann Margarette V. Casquejo, Dianne Mariz Nacua Obenza, Jonfran Catabas, Azineth Gorrero, Jhanea Bianca Remoroza, Ana Louella N. Navarro
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