Inner Child, Self-Esteem, and Mental Health in Jordanian University Students

The study investigated the influence of the inner child on the mental health of Jordanian university students, considering the mediating role of self-esteem. Using a descriptive analytical survey method, a simple random sample of 625 Jordanian university students was utilized. The study employed three scales: the inner child scale (18 items), the mental health scale (15 items), and the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (10 items). Findings revealed that Jordanian university students demonstrated a high level of awareness of their inner child, mental health, and self-esteem. Statistical analysis indicated no significant differences (α ≤ 0.05) in the impact of inner child awareness on the mental health of Jordanian university students, considering the mediating role of self-esteem, based on variables such as sex, college, and educational level. Moreover, the study identified a positive correlation between inner child awareness and mental health, as well as a positive association between self-esteem and mental health. Consequently, the study recommends several actions, including conducting a longitudinal study to explore the impact of the inner child across various life stages (childhood, adolescence, youth, and old age)