Exploring the Mediating Role of Spiritual Fortitude in the Relationship between Self-Esteem and Flourishing Among Indonesian Adolescent Victims of Bullying

This study examined the relationship between self-esteem and flourishing among adolescent victims of bullying, with spiritual fortitude as a potential mediator. Drawing on a sample of 1,126 Indonesian adolescents aged 15–23, the research utilized the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Flourishing Scale, and the Spiritual Fortitude Scale-9 to assess these constructs. Findings revealed that self-esteem significantly predicted flourishing, aligning with previous studies that highlight self-esteem's role in fostering resilience and psychological well-being. Additionally, spiritual fortitude emerged as a significant partial mediator, indicating that while self-esteem provided a foundation for resilience, spiritual fortitude enhanced adolescents' capacity to find meaning and stability amid adversity. This study employed a correlational design, and the mediation analysis followed regression-based procedures, although no bootstrapping was conducted. Key limitations included the cross-sectional nature of the data, reliance on self-report measures, and lack of analysis regarding frequency or power imbalance in bullying experiences. These results underscored the importance of integrating psychological and spiritual interventions to support adolescent mental health, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by bullying. Further implications for mental health interventions are discussed.