Personality Traits as Mediators of the Relationship Between Affective Distress and Self-Esteem Among Incarcerated Youth: A Parallel Mediation Model

This study examined how affective distress, self-esteem, and personality traits are related among detained young adults, and how these factors connect to rehabilitation-relevant risk factors. The sample included 455 participants (18–25 years, M = 21.31, SD = 2.32; 97.8% male), recruited from educational, detention and prison centers. CP5F, RSES, and PDA were used, and analyses included Mann–Whitney tests, linear regression, and mediation models. The results showed that placement history predicted higher levels of Depression and Total Distress, as well as lower self-esteem, while access to intimate visits was associated with lower levels of Sadness and Total Distress. The diagnosis of chronic/psychiatric illness, suicide attempts, and trauma in the family of origin were associated with higher levels of distress, while diagnosis, suicide attempts, and a history of recidivism were also associated with lower self-esteem. In the regression model, Depression was negatively associated with self-esteem, whereas Concern showed a positive association (R2 = 0.18). In the parallel mediation model, the Dysfunctional Score was negatively associated with self-esteem both directly and indirectly, through Extraversion, Conscientiousness and Emotional Stability; Autonomy showed no mediating effect and the indirect effect of Agreeableness, significant in the individual model, became non-significant when tested alongside the other mediators. The total indirect effect and the direct effect were both significant in the parallel mediation model. The conclusions highlight the central role of affective distress in lowering self-esteem and support the need for early psychological screening and detention interventions aimed at reducing distress and strengthening emotional stability.