Feelings of Entrapment and Defeat Mediate the Association Between Self-Esteem and Depression Among Transgender Women Sex Workers in China

Abstract

Background: Transgender women sex workers have a high prevalence of depression. Low self-esteem and subsequent involuntary subordination (characterized by feelings of defeat and entrapment) are well-documented risk factors for depression. The object of the present study was to investigate the mediating effect of feelings of entrapment and defeat on the relationship between self-esteem and depression among transgender women sex workers in China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Shenyang and Guangzhou in 2017. Participants were 198 transgender women sex workers who completed a structured questionnaire assessing background characteristics, self-esteem, feelings of entrapment and defeat, and depression. Linear regression was used to test the mediation hypotheses. Results: Of participants, 25.25% exhibited high levels of depression. Self-esteem scores were negatively correlated with depression scores (r = −0.54, p < 0.05, R 2 adj = 0.23), defeat scores (r = −1.68, p < 0.05, R 2 adj = 0.31), and entrapment scores (r = −1.67, p < 0.05, R 2 adj = 0.25). In the mediation hypothesis model, entrapment (r = 0.21, p < 0.05) and defeat (r = 0.08, p < 0.05) had a complete mediating effect on the relationship between self-esteem (Spearman's r = −0.06, p = 0.36) and depression (R 2 adj = 0.61). Conclusion: Feelings of entrapment and defeat mediated the association between selfesteem and depression. More focus is needed on monitoring feelings of defeat and entrapment among transgender women sex workers to mitigate the risk of depression.

Relationship between Childhood Physical Abuse and Clinical Severity of Treatment-Resistant Depression in a Geriatric Population

“…This correlation could be explained by the fact that early maltreatment can negatively affect the cognitive, social and emotional development of child. In addition, it is well-established that low self-esteem and depression are closely linked [31][32][33]. Finally, self-esteem was found to peak in people in their fifties or sixties before decreasing dramatically thereafter.…”

“…Self-esteem is associated with geriatric depression symptoms [14] and prognosis [15]. Moreover, numerous studies have documented a strong positive correlation between maltreatment and low self-esteem [31][32][33]. This correlation could be explained by the fact that early maltreatment can negatively affect the cognitive, social and emotional development of child.…”

Relationship between childhood physical abuse and clinical severity of treatment-resistant depression in a geriatric population

“…This association could be explained by the fact that early maltreatment can negatively affect the overall cognitive, social and emotional development of children. Also, it is well-established that low self-esteem and depression are closely linked [ 36 – 38 ]. Finally, self-esteem was found to peak in people in their fifties or sixties before decreasing dramatically thereafter.…”

“…Moreover, self-esteem has been shown to be associated with geriatric depression symptoms [15] and prognosis [17]. Numerous studies have documented a strong positive correlation between CM and low self-esteem [36][37][38]. This association could be explained by the fact that early maltreatment can negatively affect the overall cognitive, social and emotional development of children.…”

Quality of Life and Mental Health in Iranian Transgender Women: Socio-Demographic Differences

“…Considering the considerable effects of economic status in alleviating depression (37%), it is very important to pay attention to the living and nancial needs of these people, which is consistent with other studies. [26,27].…”