Autoestima y depresiónrelaciones directas versus indirectas

Abstract

This study focuses on the relationship between self-esteem and depression. Since the configuration of self-esteem is carried out according to the various contexts in which the individual takes part (Cooley, 1902; Baldwin, 1908; Mead, 1934), different dimensions of self-esteem will emerge during this process. From our theoretical approach, this aforementioned relationship depends upon the dimension that is being analyzed: a direct relation to depression is expected in those self-evaluations that are self-related to a preferent social rolein this study, intellectual self-esteem- while an indirect relation is to be observed when more general aspects of the self-and not directly related to a preferent social role- are analyzed. The mediating variables in this relationship are social support and stress. The sample analyzed consisted of 450 male and female graduate students from the city of Valencia (Spain). Self reports of intellectual self-esteem, social self-esteem, community participation, community integration, undesirable life events and depression was obtained. The results confirm the hypothesized relations: intellectual self-esteem shows a direct relation to depression, whereas social self-esteem and indirect relation to depression