--- - |2+ Background Sociometer theory posits that self‐esteem is a subjective monitor of the quality of one's interpersonal relationships. When people feel excluded by others, they may have negative relational evaluation about themselves—low self‐esteem. In the present study, we hypothesised and tested that feelings of loneliness among children and adolescents affected by parental HIV would decrease their self‐esteem over time; moreover, low self‐esteem would intensify feelings of loneliness. Methods We utilised longitudinal data from a sample of children and adolescents affected by parental HIV to estimate the reciprocal effects between self‐esteem and loneliness over time. The sample included 195 children and early adolescents affected by parental HIV (age range 7–15, Mage = 10.62, 82 females) who served as a control group in a large intervention study on psychological well‐being. Seven waves of longitudinal panel data were collected from participants in three years. Results In cross‐lagged panel models that tested the reciprocal effects of loneliness and self‐esteem, loneliness predicted decreased levels of self‐esteem over time; in addition, low self‐esteem predicted increased levels of loneliness over time. Conclusions These findings support sociometer theory and suggest that loneliness is a risk factor for children's and adolescents’ self‐esteem. The implications for improving vulnerable children's and adolescents’ psychological well‐being are discussed. - 'Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being, EarlyView.
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