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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 :
Daniela Renger
Aischa Reinken
Sabrina Krys
Maria Gardani
Sarah E. Martiny
Source :
Health Psychology Open, Vol 10 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
SAGE Publishing, 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.

Subjects

Subjects :
Psychology
BF1-990

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20551029
Volume :
10
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Health Psychology Open
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.128c04647ddc44788990a3c75de15dc0
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/20551029231206780