Direct and indirect effects of self-esteem on depressive mood

Past research has suggested the important role of self-esteem in well being . Also, increasing attention has been given to the hypothesis that self-est eem can reduce the negative effects of stressful life events (Lin & Ensel, 1989). The present study analyzed whether there was a different effect (dir ect vs. indirect) according to the different dimensions of self-esteem. The sample consisted of 405 graduate students, whose ages ranged from 18 to 31 . Results indicated that some dimensions of self-esteem (familial, intellec tual, physical and friendship) have a direct effect on depressive mood, and other dimensions of self-esteem (social, emotional and self-confidence) ha ve an indirect effect.