The Primordial Role of Self-Esteem in Social-Emotional Development and Maladaptive Behavior Formation--A Cross-Lagged Panel Network Analysis
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| Title: | The Primordial Role of Self-Esteem in Social-Emotional Development and Maladaptive Behavior Formation--A Cross-Lagged Panel Network Analysis |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Qian Liu, Yi Xiao, Yanhui Xiang (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Early Adolescence. 2026 46(3):445-478. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 34 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Elementary Education Junior High Schools Middle Schools Secondary Education Grade 4 Intermediate Grades Grade 7 |
| Descriptors: | Elementary School Students, Middle School Students, Self Esteem, Social Emotional Learning, Social Development, Emotional Development, Adolescent Development, Child Development, Longitudinal Studies, Child Behavior, Antisocial Behavior, Predictor Variables, Psychological Patterns, Behavior Development, Grade 4, Grade 7, Self Concept Measures, Affective Measures |
| Assessment and Survey Identifiers: | Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale, UCLA Loneliness Scale |
| DOI: | 10.1177/02724316251330905 |
| ISSN: | 0272-4316 1552-5449 |
| Abstract: | Self-esteem has always been one of the most central elements of psychological research. So, what exactly is the role of self-esteem in the social-emotional development and maladaptive behavior formation among children and adolescents? Based on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory perspective, this study explored the primordial role of self-esteem in human development based on 3-year, 3-wave longitudinal follow-up data from 208 upper elementary and 246 middle school students. Results of cross-lagged network analysis revealed that self-esteem was the strongest predictor of social-emotional and maladaptive behaviors in elementary school grades 4[right arrow]5, 5[right arrow]6, and middle school grades 7[right arrow]8. In grades 8[right arrow]9, although loneliness was the strongest predictor, self-esteem remained one of the most stable predictors. This study reveals for the first time the foundational role of self-esteem in social-emotional and maladaptive behaviors based on a cross-lagged network analysis approach, providing important theoretical implications for understanding the prominence of self-esteem in an individual's physical and mental development. At the same time, it also offers important practical foundations for promoting the physical and mental health of individuals from the perspective of self-esteem intervention. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1496281 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Self-esteem has always been one of the most central elements of psychological research. So, what exactly is the role of self-esteem in the social-emotional development and maladaptive behavior formation among children and adolescents? Based on Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Theory perspective, this study explored the primordial role of self-esteem in human development based on 3-year, 3-wave longitudinal follow-up data from 208 upper elementary and 246 middle school students. Results of cross-lagged network analysis revealed that self-esteem was the strongest predictor of social-emotional and maladaptive behaviors in elementary school grades 4[right arrow]5, 5[right arrow]6, and middle school grades 7[right arrow]8. In grades 8[right arrow]9, although loneliness was the strongest predictor, self-esteem remained one of the most stable predictors. This study reveals for the first time the foundational role of self-esteem in social-emotional and maladaptive behaviors based on a cross-lagged network analysis approach, providing important theoretical implications for understanding the prominence of self-esteem in an individual's physical and mental development. At the same time, it also offers important practical foundations for promoting the physical and mental health of individuals from the perspective of self-esteem intervention. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0272-4316 1552-5449 |
| DOI: | 10.1177/02724316251330905 |
