Kevisilie Chielie and Lovika P. Shikhu
Nagaland University
Pages: 257-264
Understanding how young adults perceive themselves and others is important for
examining their psychological well-being. In this domain there are two important concepts
of Interactive Mentalization which refers to the understanding of one’s own and other’s
mental states and self-esteem which reflects an individual’s overall sense of self-worth.
The present study aims to explore Interactive Mentalization and Self-Esteem among
young adults, as well as examined differences across gender and demographic variables.
A total of 100 participants from the age of 19–26 years were assessed using the
Interactive Mentalizing Questionnaire and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The results
showed that most participants reported moderate levels of Interactive Mentalization.
Correlation analysis showed significant positive associations between all the subscales
of Interactive Mentalization with perspective-taking and metacognition (r=.25, p < .05),
perspective-taking and meta-mentalization (r=.44, p < .01) & metacognition and meta
mentalization (r =.46, p < .01). Moreover, Correlation analyses revealed significant
gender differences in Interactive Mentalization (F = 20.63, p < .001) and it was also
found to be associated with participants residential background (F = 21.95, p < .001).
However, regression analysis showed that Interactive Mentalization was not a significant
predictor of Self-Esteem (B = .102, t= 1.02, p > .311).