Exploring the relationship between self-esteem, resilience and problem-solving skills of third year students at the University of Namibia
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Date
2024
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
Literature highlights the necessity of self-esteem, resilience and problem-solving skills
across different stages and domains of life. The aim of this study was to determine the
levels of self-esteem, resilience and problem-solving skills of third year students at the
Windhoek-based campuses of UNAM, as well as to explore the relationships between
self-esteem, resilience and problem-solving skills. Moreover, it intended to determine
possible differences between male and female students with regards to levels of self esteem, resilience and problem-solving skills. Finally, this study aimed to determine
whether self-esteem or resilience had a larger impact on the level of problem-solving
skills. This cross-sectional study used a quantitative research paradigm, with an
inductive approach and a non-experimental, correlational research design. The
Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD RISC), and the Problem Solving Inventory (PSI), in addition to a socio-demographic
questionnaire, was employed to collect data from 326 participants through a
probability sampling technique, simple random sampling. Data from the
questionnaires were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SSPS)
(Version 28.0) with descriptive statistics and inferential statistics used to explore the
data on these constructs. Findings from this study revealed moderate overall levels of
self-esteem, resilience and problem-solving skills with third year students at the
University of Namibia. The study found significant, positive interactions between each
of the three variables. In addition, there were no significant differences in scores of
the three constructs for males and females. The study found that resilience had a larger
impact (than self-esteem) on the level of problem-solving skills. Finally, it was
established that resilience mediates the relationship between self-esteem and problem solving skills. Along with further local research and development of positive
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psychology, initiatives to cultivate inner resources, such as workshops and mentorship
programs may prove helpful in the Namibian context so as to help citizens overcome
difficulties
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of master of arts in clinical psychology
Keywords
Self-esteem, Resilience, Problem-solving skills, University students, Relationship