The Moderating Role of Core Self-Evaluation (CSE) in the Relationship Between Sexual and Physical Abuse (SPA) and Subjective Well-Being (SWB) Among Undergraduate Students

Ekwo; Jude Chukwudi

doi:10.56201/jhsp.vol.12.no4.2026.pg78.88

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The Moderating Role of Core Self-Evaluation (CSE) in the Relationship Between Sexual and Physical Abuse (SPA) and Subjective Well-Being (SWB) Among Undergraduate Students

Ekwo, Jude Chukwudi

Abstract

This study examined the moderating role of core self-evaluation in the relationship between sexual and physical abuse and subjective well-being among undergraduate students. A total of 294 students (178 females, 116 males; M_age = 20.66, SD = 1.13) from seven faculties at Enugu State University of Science and Technology participated. Participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling technique, and data were collected via standardized instruments: the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire for SPA, the Core Self-Evaluation Scale for CSE, and the Satisfaction with Life Scale for SWB. Results from moderated hierarchical regression indicated that SPA did not significantly predict SWB (β = - 0.043, t = -0.595, p > .05). Conversely, CSE was a significant positive predictor of SWB (β = 0.362, t = 5.339, p < .001), and the interaction between SPA and CSE was non-significant (β = -0.016, t = -0.709, p > .05), suggesting that CSE did not moderate the relationship between SPA and SWB in this sample. Findings highlight the pivotal role of CSE in enhancing students’ subjective well-being and suggest that interventions aimed at improving self-evaluation could strengthen resilience, even in the presence of adverse experiences. The study underscores the importance of fostering internal psychological resources to support mental health in higher education contexts.

Keywords

Subjective well-beingSexual and physical abuseCore self-evaluationUndergraduate studentsModerationMental healthResilience

References

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The Moderating Role of Core Self-Evaluation (CSE) in the Relationship Between Sexual and Physical Abuse (SPA) and Subjective Well-Being (SWB) Among Undergraduate Students

Abstract

Keywords

References

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