The associations of family atmosphere, religiosity and lifestyle with self-esteem and self-control among Saudi adolescents

Int J Psychol. 2024 Dec;59(6):1245-1253. doi: 10.1002/ijop.13250. Epub 2024 Sep 27.

Abstract

We assessed, with validated instruments, whether family atmosphere, religiosity or lifestyle were significant correlates of self-esteem and/or self-control among adolescents (Grades 7-12, n = 2067) in Saudi Arabia. Participants' mean age was 15.5 years; 64% were boys. Higher scores in family atmosphere and religiosity and having fewer lifestyle risk factors were significantly related to higher self-esteem and self-control scores (p < .05; adjusted linear regression models). The odds of scoring low (below median) in both self-esteem and self-control decreased incrementally across the increasing quartiles of family atmosphere and religiosity; the odds decreased incrementally across decreasing number of lifestyle risk factors (p < .05; adjusted multinomial regression). Programmes supporting healthy lifestyles, positive family environments and religiosity may boost self-esteem and self-control among adolescents.

Keywords: Adolescents; Family atmosphere; Perceived religiosity; Self‐control; Self‐esteem.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Family / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Male
  • Religion and Psychology
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Self Concept*
  • Self-Control*