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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Affective Disorder | Research article

How involuntary subordination and social support influence the association between self-esteem and depression: a moderated mediation model

Authors: Qiuming Shen, Yue Shi, Shuxian Zhang, Lhakpa Tsamlag, Huwen Wang, Ruijie Chang, Zihe Peng, Ying Wang, Meili Shang, Yong Cai

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

In China, young migrants are at elevated risk of mental health problems, such as depression. The influence of self-esteem on depression is well acknowledged. We examined correlates of depression and their mediating and moderating role in the association between self-esteem and depression to promote a better understanding of depression prevention among young migrants.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among young Chinese migrants. A moderated mediation model was used to test the combined effect of involuntary subordination and social support on the association between self-esteem and depression. The Johnson–Neyman method was used to identify the range of scores for which social support acted as a moderator.

Results

A total of 572 participants completed questionnaires. The median depression score was 19 (interquartile range: 14). Self-esteem had a negative effect on involuntary subordination (β = − 2.1440, p < 0.001). Involuntary subordination (β = 0.2406, p < 0.001), self-esteem (β = − 0.3870, p < 0.01), and social support (β = − 0.1221, p < 0.01) all had significant effects on depression. The effect of involuntary subordination on depression was moderated by social support (β = − 0.0041, p < 0.05), and the effect decreased as social support scores increased.

Conclusions

Our results indicated a mediating role of involuntary subordination and a moderating role of social support in the association between self-esteem and depression among young Chinese migrants. Future intervention strategies should focus on these factors to reduce depressive symptoms.
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Metadata
Title
How involuntary subordination and social support influence the association between self-esteem and depression: a moderated mediation model
Authors
Qiuming Shen
Yue Shi
Shuxian Zhang
Lhakpa Tsamlag
Huwen Wang
Ruijie Chang
Zihe Peng
Ying Wang
Meili Shang
Yong Cai
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2330-1

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