Interconnected pathways of social competence and resilience among foster care adolescents: Self-esteem acts as a potential mediator

Foster care adolescents frequently experience heightened emotional and behavioral challenges. Although prior research has explored the link between social competence and resilience, the interplay of these factors specifically among foster care adolescents warrants further investigation. This study examined the relationships between self-esteem, social competence, and resilience in a sample of 200 adolescents residing in foster care homes. We hypothesized that self-esteem would mediate the connection between social competence and resilience. Participants were assessed using standardized measures of self-esteem, social competence, and resilience. The results indicated significant positive correlations among all three variables. Statistical analyses confirmed that self-esteem partially mediated the association between social competence and resilience. Social competence had both direct and indirect effects on resilience through its influence on self-esteem. The model accounted for 5.8 % of the variance in self-esteem and 23.7 % of the variance in resilience, emphasizing the interconnected nature of these constructs. These findings imply that interventions targeting these constructs may enhance well-being in foster care adolescents.•Data were collected using standardized psychological scales.•Correlational and mediation analyses examined relationships, focusing on self-esteem's mediating role.•This study emphasizes the need for interventions that target these constructs to improve well-being in foster care adolescents.