Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effects of self-esteem on the relationship between stress and depression. 445 college students were participated to examine the moderating and mediating effects of self-esteem. Results showed that the moderating effect of self-esteem was found in males and the mediating effect was supported in both the male and the female groups. The moderating effect of self-esteem means that the strength of the relationship between stress and depression differs with the level of self-esteem. And low self-esteem acts as a vulnerable factor in the onset of depression whereas high self-esteem as a buffering factor of the effects of stress. Also, the mediating effects of self-esteem means that not only life stress influences on depression directly but also life stress lowers self-esteem that leads to depression subsequently. These results suggest that the moderating and mediating effects of self-esteem occurs simultaneously but the self-esteem affects the male and female groups in a different way.