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

This study examined 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. 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.