Stigma and life satisfaction among out-of-school Korean youth: the mediating roles of self-esteem and depressive symptoms

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the extent to which self-esteem and depressive symptoms mediated the influence of stigma on life satisfaction among out-of-school youth in the Republic of Korea. Cross-sectional data were collected from 318 youth, aged 18 to 23 years (20.67 ± 1.12), who provided information on perceived stigma, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, life satisfaction, and personal characteristics. A hierarchical linear regression analysis was followed by a path analysis to investigate the mediation effects. Stigma was found to be negatively associated with life satisfaction. Self-esteem mediated the negative association between stigma and life satisfaction, while depressive symptoms mediated the positive association between stigma and life satisfaction. The path analysis results showed that the influence of depressive symptoms on life satisfaction had the largest path coefficient (β = −0.60, p < .01) and the influence of self-esteem on life satisfaction also has a large path coefficient (β = 0.52, p < .01). This study demonstrated that self-esteem and depressive symptoms are important to the relationship between stigma and life satisfaction. Implications are discussed regarding possible stigma-reduction strategies and interventions to help out-of-school youth integrate into society and lead successful and satisfying lives.

Introduction of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Korea and Their Role During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Focusing on the Ministry of Education Policy

“…Out-of-school adolescents could thus be at high risk of developing physical and mental health issues because of the risk of exposure to dangerous environments [ 36 - 38 ]. Furthermore, prejudice against out-of-school youth may also affect their self-esteem and feelings of depression [ 39 ]. Institutional complements targeting out-of-school youths have been attempted in line with these social needs.…”

“…The Ministry of Health and Welfare’s mental health initiatives include the Mental Health Welfare Center, Suicide Prevention Center, Community Addiction Management Center, and mental health-related institutions, which work with individuals of all ages who have mental illnesses; these institutions include those that only support children and adolescents [ 44 ]. As of 2022, there are 16 mental health welfare centers, 246 basic mental health welfare centers, 50 community addiction management centers, and six independent suicide prevention centers in operation.…”