Self-Esteem and Vigilant Decision-Making in University Students: A Moderated Mediation Model of Peer Influence and Extraversion

Abstract

University students face complex academic, personal, and social decisions that have a significant impact on their future. These decisions are not only shaped by cognitive abilities but are also influenced by social and psychological factors including self-esteem, peer influence, and personality traits. This study examined the relationship between self-esteem and vigilant decision-making, with a focus on the mediating role of resistance to peer influence and the moderating role of extraversion. A correlational, cross-sectional design was employed on a sample of 300 undergraduate students, recruited through a purposive sampling technique. Data was collected using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Melbourne Decision-Making Questionnaire, Resistance to Peer Influence Scale, and the HEXACO personality inventory. The results of the study indicated that self-esteem was positively associated with vigilant decision-making style and resistance to peer influence mediated the relationship between self-esteem and vigilant decision-making. This indirect relationship was significantly moderated by extraversion trait. The findings emphasize the collective role of psychological and social factors in shaping students’ decision-making processes, highlighting that these contextual factors should be critically considered when designing student development programs to enhance adaptive and autonomous decision- making.