Mediating Role of Self Esteem in Gullibility (Unsuspecting) and Emotional Self Disclosure (Anxiety and Fear) Among Institutionalized Orphans

The present study investigated the relationship of gullibility, self-esteem, and emotional self-disclosure (ESD) among institutionalized orphans. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of self-esteem in gullibility(unsuspecting) and emotional self-disclosure (anxiety, fear). In addition, the mediating role of self-esteem was explored. A sample of 100 orphans (50 boys, 50 girls) were selected through a purposive sampling strategy, aged 12-18 years (M=15.29, SD=1.68) from four orphanages in Lahore. The research instruments used were The gullibility scale (Alessandra, 2016), the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (Rosenberg, 1965), and the Emotional self-disclosure scale (Snell et al., 2013). Results revealed a significant negative relationship between gullibility and self-esteem. Moreover, a significant positive relationship was found between gullibility and emotional self-disclosure. Results also revealed a significant negative relationship between self-esteem and emotional self-disclosure (depression, anxiety, and fear). The mediation analysis showed that the relationship between gullibility(unsuspecting) and emotional self-disclosure (anxiety and fear) among institutionalized orphans was significantly mediated by self-esteem. Therefore, further studies are needed to investigate and understand their level of gullibility and to promote quality for this vulnerable group of adolescents closely. Such findings will facilitate an understanding of the psychological health problems faced by adolescent orphans residing in orphanages.