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Quality of Life Research

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01-04-2019

Effects of self-esteem and stress on self-assessed health: a Swiss study from adolescence to early adulthood

Authors: Kristen Jafflin, Constanze Pfeiffer, Manfred Max Bergman

Published in: Quality of Life Research | Issue 4/2019

Abstract

Purpose

A large literature shows important effects of self-esteem and stress on mental and physical health in young adulthood. Negative life events are one type of stressor associated with poor health, but it is less clear whether more neutral stressors are also associated with poor health. This study contributes to the existing literature by investigating the association between different types of stressful life events, self-esteem, and health during the transition from adolescence to early adulthood in Switzerland.

Methods

We draw on the “Transitions from Education to Employment” (TREE) panel study, a nationally representative longitudinal survey of a cohort of Swiss young adults, using logistic regression analysis. The study includes eight waves over a 10-year period, from 2001, average age 16, to 2010, average age 26. Our dependent variable is a dichotomized health self-assessment, and key independent variables include self-esteem and three measures of cumulative significant life events (SLEs): total cumulative SLEs, cumulative negative SLEs, and cumulative neutral SLEs.

Results

Self-esteem had a significant positive impact on health, whereas cumulative SLEs had a significant negative impact. Negative SLEs had a larger negative impact than total SLEs, and neutral SLEs had a smaller impact. Considered individually, negative SLEs were more likely to have a significant negative impact on health.

Conclusions

In addition to their known influence on mental health, stress and self-esteem are important factors influencing individuals’ general health, even in adolescence and young adulthood. While all types of stressors have a negative impact on health, the negative stressors seem to have more prominent effects than neutral stressors.

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Title: Effects of self-esteem and stress on self-assessed health: a Swiss study from adolescence to early adulthood
Authors: Kristen Jafflin
Constanze Pfeiffer
Manfred Max Bergman
Publication date: 01-04-2019
Publisher: Springer International Publishing
Published in: Quality of Life Research / Issue 4/2019
Print ISSN: 0962-9343
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2649
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-018-2059-1

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Effects of self-esteem and stress on self-assessed health: a Swiss study from adolescence to early adulthood

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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