Peer-reviewed article
Wounded Inner Child Experiences and Mental Well-Being Among University Students: A Correlational Study
Tasya Aprilya, Gian Sugiana Sugara, Anandha Putri Rahimsyah ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-sonnet-5-5This correlational study surveyed 272 undergraduate students to describe how common 'wounded inner child' experiences are and how they relate to mental well-being. It found a significant negative association (r = -0.469): students with higher wounded inner child scores reported lower well-being. Shame/low self-worth, suppressed anger and feelings of unlovability contributed most. The authors recommend counseling that targets emotional wound repair. The participants are adult university students, so the study is not about children's well-being.
Key points
- Sample of 272 undergraduate students.
- Wounded inner child scores were negatively correlated with mental well-being (r = -0.469).
- Shame/low self-worth, suppressed anger and feelings of unlovability contributed most to reduced well-being.
- The authors recommend counseling interventions that target emotional wound repair and strengthen adaptive capacities.
Limitations
The abstract does not name the country or institution, the instruments used or the sampling method. A correlational design cannot show that wounded inner child experiences cause lower well-being. The study concerns adult university students, not children.
Abstract
Wounded inner child and mental well-being are two salient components of psychological health among university students that influence their capacity to adapt to academic demands and the developmental challenges of emerging adulthood. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of wounded inner child experiences among students and to examine their relationship with levels of mental well-being. Employing a correlational quantitative design, the research sampled 272 undergraduates and assessed childhood-derived wounds and mental well-being using standardized instruments. Results indicate a significant negative association between wounded inner child scores and mental well-being (r = –0.469), with the dimensions of shame/low self-worth, suppressed anger, and feelings of unlovability contributing most strongly to reduced well-being. These findings suggest that higher levels of wounded inner child experiences are associated with lower emotional and psychological well-being. Overall, the study underscores the importance of counseling interventions that target emotional wound repair and the strengthening of adaptive capacities to promote student mental-health in higher education settings.