Mediating Role of Self Esteem in Gullibility (Unsuspecting)and Emotional Self Disclosure (Anxiety and Fear)Among Institutionalized Orphans

Abstract

The present study investigated the relationship of gullibility, self-esteem and emotional selfdisclosure (ESD) among institutionalized orphans. This study aimed to examine the mediating
role of self-esteem in gullibility(unsuspecting) and emotional self-disclosure (anxiety, fear). In
addition, the mediating role of self-esteem was explored. A sample of 100 orphans (50 boys,
50 girls) were selected through a purposive sampling strategy, aged 12-18 years (M=15.29,
SD=1.68) from four orphanages in Lahore. The research instruments used were The gullibility
scale (Alessandra, 2016), the Rosenberg self-esteem scale (Rosenberg, 1965) and the
Emotional self-disclosure scale (Snell et al., 2013). Results revealed a significant negative
relationship between gullibility and self-esteem. Moreover, a significant positive relationship
was found between gullibility and emotional self-disclosure. Results also revealed a significant
negative relationship between self-esteem and emotional self-disclosure (depression, anxiety
and fear). The mediation analysis showed that the relationship between
gullibility(unsuspecting) and emotional self-disclosure (anxiety and fear) among
institutionalized orphans was significantly mediated by self-esteem. Therefore, further studies
are needed to investigate and understand their level of gullibility and to promote quality for
this vulnerable group of adolescents closely. Such findings will facilitate an understanding of
the psychological health problems faced by adolescent orphans residing in orphanages.