The Mediating Role of Self-Esteem in the Relationship Between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Impostor Syndrome Among Adolescents

• Herlina Herlina

  Indonesia University of Education

  Author

• Hasfi Mutiara Insani

  Indonesia University of Education

  Author

• Ismawati Kosasih

  Indonesia University of Education

  Author

This study examined the mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and impostor syndrome among adolescents. Using a quantitative correlational design, data were collected from 384 adolescents aged 12–21 years across various regions in Indonesia through accidental sampling. The instruments included the Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire (ACEQ; Felitti et al., 1998), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES; Rosenberg, 1965), and the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS; Clance, 1985), all of which were adapted into Indonesian. Questionnaires were administered via Google Forms distributed on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook. Data were analyzed using simple linear regression, multiple regression, and Sobel tests with a significance level of α = .05, employing SPSS version 26.

Results indicated that adverse childhood experiences positively predicted impostor syndrome and negatively predicted self-esteem, while self-esteem negatively predicted impostor syndrome. Moreover, self-esteem partially mediated the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and impostor syndrome. These findings underscore the importance of preventing adverse experiences in childhood and fostering healthy self-esteem to support the development of a positive self-concept and reduce the risk of impostor syndrome in adolescence.

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