THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RELIGIOUS FUNDAMENTALISM, SELF CONCEPT, AND SELF-ESTEEM AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

Religious fundamentalism, self-concept, and self-esteem are connecting psychological constructs that significantly influence individual behavior and well-being. Though various researches have explored these variables independently, there is however the need to evaluate their intricate relationships, particularly among young adults. This study aimed to examine the relationship between religious fundamentalism, self-concept, and self-esteem among young adults. A cross-sectional survey design was employed, utilizing standardized measures to assess religious fundamentalism, self-concept, and self-esteem. A sample of 300 young adults (ages 18-30) completed an online survey comprising Demographics, Religious Fundamentalism Scale, Tennessee Self-Concept Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and regression modeling. Findings revealed significant positive correlations between religious fundamentalism and self-concept (r = 0.25, p < 0.01) and between self-concept and self-esteem (r = 0.56, p < 0.001). However, the relationship between religious fundamentalism and self-esteem was more complex, with a moderate positive correlation (r = 0.18, p < 0.05) that varied depending on individual differences in self-concept. Regression analysis indicated that self-concept significantly predicted self-esteem (β = 0.53, p < 0.001), while religious fundamentalism had a smaller but significant predictive effect (β = 0.15, p < 0.05). The findings suggest that interventions aimed at promoting positive self-concept and self-esteem among young adults should consider the role of religious fundamentalism. Mental health professionals and religious leaders can collaborate to develop strategies that foster a positive self-concept, leveraging the potential benefits of religious fundamentalism while mitigating potential drawbacks. Future research should explore these dynamics further, incorporating longitudinal designs and diverse samples to deepen the understanding of these complex relationships. This study highlights the intricate relationships between religious fundamentalism, self-concept, and self-esteem among young adults. It also indicated that religious fundamentalism can contribute positively to self-concept and, indirectly, to self-esteem, individual differences in self-concept play a crucial role in shaping self-esteem outcomes.