Low and decreasing self-esteem during adolescence predict adult depression two decades later.

Abstract

Previous studies revealed that low self-esteem is prospectively associated with depression. However, self-esteem has been shown to change over time. We thus hypothesized that not only level but also change in self-esteem affect depression. Using data from a 23-year longitudinal study (N = 1,527), we therefore examined the prospective effects of global and domain-specific self-esteem (physical attractiveness, academic competence) level and change on depressive symptoms 2 decades later. Self-esteem was assessed annually from age 12 to 16, and depression was assessed at age 16 and 35. Results from latent growth curve analyses demonstrated that both level and change in self-esteem served as predictors for adult depression. Individuals who entered adolescence with low self-esteem, and/or whose self-esteem declined further during the adolescent years, were more likely to exhibit symptoms of depression 2 decades later as adults; this pattern held both for global and domain-specific self-esteem. These findings highlight the importance of adolescent self-esteem development for mental health outcomes in adulthood. However, self-esteem has been shown to change over time. We thus hypothesized that not only level but also change in self-esteem affect depression. Using data from a 23-year longitudinal study (N = 1,527), we therefore examined the prospective effects of global and domain-specific selfesteem (physical attractiveness, academic competence) level and change on depressive symptoms two decades later. Self-esteem was assessed annually from age 12 to 16 and depression was assessed at age 16 and 35. Results from latent growth curve analyses demonstrated that both level and change in self-esteem served as predictors for adult depression. Individuals who entered adolescence with low self-esteem, and/or whose self-esteem declined further during the adolescent years were more likely to exhibit symptoms of depression two decades later as adults; this pattern held both for global and domain-specific self-esteem. These findings highlight the importance of adolescent self-esteem development for mental health outcomes in adulthood.

Testing the vulnerability and scar models of self-esteem and depressive symptoms from adolescence to middle adulthood and across generations.

“…The scar model was also confirmed, albeit with weaker effects compared to the vulnerability model. The current findings are in line with our previous longitudinal results using the same data set until age 35, were we showed that self-esteem in adolescence prospectively predicts early adult depressive symptoms (Steiger et al, 2014). Our findings are also in line with previous albeit shorter longitudinal studies that found the vulnerability effect to be about twice as large as the scar effect (Orth & Robins, 2013;Sowislo & Orth, 2013).…”

Childhood maltreatment, psychopathology and well-being: The mediator role of global self-esteem, attachment difficulties and substance use

“…Several studies have found an association between maltreatment and low self-esteem and between low self-esteem and various mental health problems (Capaldi & Stoolmiller, 1999;Derdikman-Eiron et al, 2011;Orth, Robins, Trzesniewski, Maes, & Schmitt, 2009;Ranoyen, Stenseng, Klockner, Wallander, & Jozefiak, 2015;Sowislo & Orth, 2013;Steiger, Allemand, Robins, & Fend, 2014). Studies have also reported associations between low self-esteem and poor QoL or well-being in general adolescent populations and adolescent and adult populations with psychiatric problems .…”

Changing personality traits: Some considerations from psychotherapy process-outcome research for intervention efforts on intentional personality change.

“…Furthermore, changes in personality traits are accompanied by individual differences in change, suggesting unique patterns of change across the lifespan as the result of specific life experiences (Roberts & Mroczek, 2008). Research has also shown that the standing on traits and change in the traits can be consequential, as they predict greater success in work and family, and better health and longevity (Allemand, Steiger, & Fend, 2015;Mroczek & Spiro, 2007;Roberts, Kuncel, Shiner, Caspi, & Goldberg, 2007;Steiger, Allemand, Robins, & Fend, 2014).…”