Relationship of self-esteem and adjustment in traditional university students

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the various dimensions of self-esteem and five domains of adjustment of traditional university freshmen (N=83) in the first semester of their Masters program. Bivariate correlational analysis indicated a positive relationship of global self-esteem with over-all adjustment, as well as with other areas of adjustment, with the highest correlation being with academic adjustment. The self-esteem variables of competence, lovability, personal power, moral self-approval and body functioning were found to be significantly related to all the areas of adjustment. Likability, body appearance and defensive self-enhancement were significantly related to some but not all adjustment areas. Self-control and identity integration were not significantly related to any of the areas of adjustment. The importance of understanding the multidimensional aspects of self-esteem and adjustment to design effective measures of counselling and guidance is discussed. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.