The Primordial Role of Self-Esteem in Social-Emotional Development and Maladaptive Behavior Formation—A Cross-Lagged Panel Network Analysis

Self-esteem has always been one of the most central elements of psychological research. So, what exactly is the role of self-esteem in the social-emotional development and maladaptive behavior formation among children and adolescents? Based on Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory perspective, this study explored the primordial role of self-esteem in human development based on 3-year, 3-wave longitudinal follow-up data from 208 upper elementary and 246 middle school students. Results of cross-lagged network analysis revealed that self-esteem was the strongest predictor of social-emotional and maladaptive behaviors in elementary school grades 4→5, 5→6, and middle school grades 7→8. In grades 8→9, although loneliness was the strongest predictor, self-esteem remained one of the most stable predictors. This study reveals for the first time the foundational role of self-esteem in social-emotional and maladaptive behaviors based on a cross-lagged network analysis approach, providing important theoretical implications for understanding the prominence of self-esteem in an individual’s physical and mental development. At the same time, it also offers important practical foundations for promoting the physical and mental health of individuals from the perspective of self-esteem intervention.