Abstract
Background: Self-esteem constitutes a pivotal individual characteristic during adolescence, which is intertwined both with family processes and the development of depression. Similarly, adverse family environment has been associated with adolescent depression. Aim: The present study aims to examine the possible contribution of adolescents’ self-esteem to the relationship between family satisfaction and the emergence of depression. Method: The total sample consisted of 1919 high schools students (mean age 16 years old). Depression was assessed with the depression subscale of the Symptom Check List-90, self-esteem with the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and family satisfaction with the Family Satisfaction Scale. Results: Findings revealed significant associations between low self-esteem and depression and low family satisfaction and depression. Additionally, the relationship between low family satisfaction and depression was found to be partially explained by low self-esteem. Results illustrate the significant associations between contextual and individual factors regarding depressive symptoms in adolescence.
Highlights
Self-esteem is a pivotal construct for adolescent development (Baldwin & Hoffmann, 2002) and a range of terms have been suggested to define it
The direct effect (c) of family satisfaction on depression was found to be -0.02, p < 0.001, denoting that about one third is mediated through self-esteem
The ratio of the indirect to total effect of family satisfaction on depression though self-esteem has been 0.36. These indicate that over one third of the effect of family satisfaction on depression symptoms was explained by the mediating effect of self-esteem
Summary
Self-esteem is a pivotal construct for adolescent development (Baldwin & Hoffmann, 2002) and a range of terms have been suggested to define it. In that line of thought, Baldwin and Hoffmann (2002) supported that self-esteem is developing as a part of the process of self-understanding, mainly during adolescence. Self-esteem constitutes a pivotal individual characteristic during adolescence, which is intertwined both with family processes and the development of depression. Aim: The present study aims to examine the possible contribution of adolescents’ self-esteem to the relationship between family satisfaction and the emergence of depression. Results: Findings revealed significant associations between low self-esteem and depression and low family satisfaction and depression. The relationship between low family satisfaction and depression was found to be partially explained by low self-esteem. Results illustrate the significant associations between contextual and individual factors regarding depressive symptoms in adolescence
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
