The mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between social support and loneliness among gen Z high school students

Abstract

This paper aims to clarify the mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between social support and perceived loneliness in a sample of Gen Z high school students in Vietnam. The study surveyed 269 students from two high schools: one located in suburban Hanoi and the other in Thanh Hoa province. Participants were drawn from grades 10, 11, and 12, with 53.4% being female students. The results of the mediation analysis indicate that social support is significantly related to both self-esteem and perceived loneliness. Furthermore, self-esteem also shows a significant relationship with perceived loneliness. Critically, the model reveals that self-esteem mediates the relationship between social support and perceived loneliness in the studied sample. These findings have significant implications for developing and implementing interventions that enhances the positive impact of social support and self-esteem on the emotional experiences of Gen Z adolescents.