Path models linking correlates of self-esteem in a multi-ethnic adolescentsample

Path analysis was performed to delineate the interrelations between state a nxiety, aggression, substance abuse, depression, gender, ethnicity, family support, and self-esteem in a sample of 684 Hawaiian/part-Hawaiian and non- Hawaiian (e.g. Caucasian, Filipino, Hispanic, Japanese, or Mixed/two or mor e ethnicities) adolescents, The theorized model proposed that self-esteem w as determined by family support and gender, and that family support, in tur n, was predicted by state anxiety, aggression, substance abuse, depression, and ethnicity. The derivation of this model was based on previously docume nted findings of the associations between self-esteem and indices of adoles cent adjustment, theorized multi-directionality of these interrelations, no n-existence of an exhaustive theory accounting for the predictive links bet ween these variables, and centrality of the ohana or family system and its integral network of support within the Native-Hawaiian culture, Goodness-of -fit indices indicated a poor fit between the theorized model and data. Sub sequent model modifications were based on succeeding path analytical result s, and conjointly encompassed an effort to find a model that fit the data w ell. Changes to the theorized model included eliminating three paths (i.e. from aggression and ethnicity to family support and from gender to self-est eem), and adding three paths (i.e. from depression, state anxiety, and aggr ession to self-esteem). The retained "final" Model 6 fit the data very well , and delineated the prediction of self-esteem by depression, state anxiety , aggression, and family support, which was, in turn, determined by depress ion, state anxiety, and substance use. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All r ights reserved.