Abstract

The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between self-esteem and healthy attitude toward life among elementary school students in early adolescence, and to examine parallel dual mediating effects of interpersonal relationship and depression on the relationships. Participants of this study were 352 students, 4th, 5th, and 6th graders, from an elementary school located in Seoul. Self-esteem positive interpersonal relationship, depression, and motivation and expectation for future life were measured in this study. The results showed that the higher the level of self-esteem, the higher the level of positive interpersonal relationship, motivation and expectation for future life and the lower the level of depression in elementary school students. Positive interpersonal relationship was positively correlated with motivation and expectations of life, while depression was negatively correlated with motivation and expectations of life. In a mediating model of motivation for life, only interpersonal relationship was a significant mediator of self-esteem, and in a mediating model of expectation for future life, both interpersonal relationship and depression showed significant mediating effects. This study suggested that self-esteem makes children adapt to especially interpersonal relationships, giving them a positive attitude toward future life.