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Why the belief in one's equal rights matters: Self-respect, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation in Western and non-Western countries.

Authors :
Renger D
Reinken A
Krys S
Gardani M
Martiny SE
Source :
Health psychology open [Health Psychol Open] 2023 Oct 21; Vol. 10 (2), pp. 20551029231206780. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Oct 21 (Print Publication: 2023).
Publication Year :
2023

Abstract

The present research investigated the relationship between self-respect (i.e., a person's belief of possessing the same rights as others) and depressive symptoms. Based on earlier longitudinal findings that self-respect fosters assertiveness and that assertiveness negatively predicts depressive symptoms, we tested these relationships in Western and non-Western countries. Additionally, we explored associations with suicidal ideation. Across seven countries ( N = 2408) we found that self-respect and depressive symptoms were negatively correlated. In addition, we found evidence for an indirect path via assertiveness as well as negative correlations with suicidal ideation in countries with available measures. Finally, within-manuscript meta-analyses confirmed the main path between self-respect and depressive symptoms across all seven countries. This research presents the first evidence for the negative association between self-respect (feeling equal to others) and depressive symptoms and highlights new directions for linking self and self-regard to mental health.<br />Competing Interests: The author(s) declared no potential conflicts of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article.<br /> (© The Author(s) 2023.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
2055-1029
Volume :
10
Issue :
2
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Health psychology open
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
37873550
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/20551029231206780