Moderating Role of Self-esteem between Traumatic Events and Internalized Shame among Retired Army Officers

Article Information

Title: Moderating Role of Self-esteem between Traumatic Events and Internalized Shame among Retired Army Officers

Authors: Gulyana Shehzad, Sadaf Ahsan

Journal: Human Nature Journal of Social Sciences (HNJSS)

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
Y	2024-10-01	2025-12-31
Y	2023-07-01	2024-09-30
Y	2022-07-01	2023-06-30

Publisher: Human Nature Research Publisher

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2023

Volume: 4

Issue: 2

Language: English

DOI: 10.71016/hnjss/k1s9rt32

Keywords: Traumatic EventsInternalized ShameRetired Army Officers

Abstract

Aim of the Study: The present study aims to investigate the moderating role of self-esteem on the association between traumatic events and internalized shame among male retired army officers aged 45-75 (M=54.9, SD=5.56) in the cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The study focuses on individuals with a BA/BSc degree or higher. The main objective is to understand the relationship between traumatic events, internalized shame, and self-esteem in this group.
Methodology: The study employed a purposive sampling technique to gather a sample of 198 retired army officers from the target age group and region. Data collection involved the administration of self-reported questionnaires, including the Trauma History Questionnaire (Green, 2011) and Internalized Shame Scale (Cook, 1991). These instruments were used to assess the participants' experiences with traumatic events and their internalized shame and self-esteem levels.
Findings: Results revealed a positive association between traumatic events, internalized shame, and self-esteem. Findings also yielded traumatic events as a significant positive predictor of internalized shame. Self-esteem was a significant moderator of traumatic events and internalized shame among retired army officers. The current study helped us identify information about diverse kinds of traumatic events experienced by retired army officers, and this exposure leads to a higher prevalence of internalized shame.
Conclusion: The research findings provide insight into the importance of self-esteem and the need to develop interventions to elevate the self-esteem of retired army officers to minimize a traumatic event's adverse outcomes further. In turn, it would help maintain the good mental health of serving and retired army officers.

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Research Objective

To investigate the moderating role of self-esteem on the association between traumatic events and internalized shame among male retired army officers aged 45-75 in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Methodology

Quantitative study using a purposive sampling technique. Data was collected via self-reported questionnaires, including the Trauma History Questionnaire and Internalized Shame Scale, from 198 retired army officers. Data analysis involved correlation, regression, and moderation analysis using SPSS.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A["Quantitative Study Design"] --> B["Purposive Sampling"];
    B --> C["Data Collection via Questionnaires"];
    C --> D["Trauma History Questionnaire"];
    C --> E["Internalized Shame Scale"];
    D --> F["Data Analysis using SPSS"];
    E --> F;
    F --> G["Correlation Analysis"];
    F --> H["Regression Analysis"];
    F --> I["Moderation Analysis"];
    G --> J["Findings"];
    H --> J;
    I --> J;
    J --> K["Conclusion"];

Discussion

The study supports the hypothesis that traumatic events lead to internalized shame. It highlights self-esteem as a crucial buffer against the negative psychological outcomes of trauma. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at elevating self-esteem could be beneficial for retired army officers to mitigate the adverse effects of traumatic experiences.

Key Findings

Traumatic events were positively associated with internalized shame. Self-esteem was found to be a significant moderator, weakening the effect of traumatic events on internalized shame. Retired army officers with low self-esteem were more prone to higher internalized shame due to traumatic events, while those with higher self-esteem were more inclined to have lower internalized shame.

Conclusion

Self-esteem plays a significant moderating role in the relationship between traumatic events and internalized shame among retired army officers. Higher self-esteem appears to protect against the development of internalized shame following traumatic experiences, suggesting that enhancing self-esteem is a potential intervention strategy for improving mental health in this population.

Fact Check

- The study included 198 retired army officers.
- The age range of participants was 45-75 years.
- The Trauma History Questionnaire has a reported reliability of .67.

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