Stress, Belongingness, Self-Esteem: Pathways to Adolescent Well-being

Abstract The present study aimed to examine the roles of self-esteem and different dimensions of belongingness (friend, family, school, and community) in the relationship between stress and adolescent mental well-being. The sample consisted of 608 high school adolescents (60% female) in Türkiye, aged between 14 and 18 years (M = 15.91, SD = 0.94). After analyzing descriptive statistics and correlations, a sequential multiple mediation model was tested to explore the direct and indirect associations among stress, self-esteem, belongingness, and well-being. Results showed that perceived stress significantly predicted self-esteem, as well as school, family, and community belonging, but not friend belonging. Moreover, school, family, and community belonging were all significantly related to mental well-being, with stress influencing well-being through these constructs. Overall, perceived stress indirectly predicted belongingness through self-esteem and both directly and indirectly predicted well-being through self-esteem and belongingness, except for friend belonging. The results suggest that interventions aimed at enhancing adolescents’ self-esteem and sense of belonging to essential social groups may foster greater mental well-being in stressful situations.