Volume : 12, Issue : 4, APR 2026

COGNITIVE DISTORTIONS AND SELF-ESTEEM AMONG YOUNG ADULTS

ADITI CHAVAN

Abstract

The present study examined the relationship between cognitive distortions and self-esteem among young adults. A quantitative correlational design was employed with a sample of 230 participants (aged 18–30 years) recruited through convenience sampling from educational institutions. Data were collected using the Cognitive Distortion Scale (CDS) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Pearson's correlation analyses revealed statistically significant negative relationships between overall cognitive distortions and self-esteem (r = .22, p < .01), as well as between specific distortion domains — self-criticism (r = .19, p < .01), self-blame (r = .19, p < .01), and helplessness (r = .17, p < .05) — and self-esteem. The findings support Beck's cognitive theory, indicating that maladaptive thinking patterns are meaningfully associated with diminished self-worth. Implications for cognitive-behavioural interventions and directions for future research are discussed.

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IESRJ

International Educational Scientific Research Journal

E-ISSN: 2455-295X

International Indexed Journal | Multi-Disciplinary Refereed Research Journal

ISSN: 2455-295X

Peer-Reviewed Journal - Equivalent to UGC Approved Journal

Peer-Reviewed Journal

Article No : 37

Number of Downloads : 15

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