Relative deprivation and depressive symptoms among Chinese migrant children: The impacts of self-esteem and belief in a just world

• DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.1008370
• Publication Date: 2022-10-20T09:05:59Z
• Authors: Meng Xiong; Zhiqin Hu
• Keywords: Relative deprivation; Moderated mediation; Association (psychology); Depression

Background Studies have shown that relative deprivation is a risk factor for depressive symptoms, but the underlying mechanisms are not yet clarified. Thus, this study formulated moderated mediation model to investigate mediating role of self-esteem and moderating belief in just world between symptoms among rural-to-urban migrant children. Methods A sample 1,076 Chinese children ( M age = 12.25 years, SD 1.66) completed measurements deprivation, self-esteem, world, symptoms. Furthermore, mechanism effect were explored with SPSS PROCESS macro (Models 4 7). Results The results showed significant positive association partially association. Moreover, self-esteem. Namely, indirect was by world. Specifically, stronger higher levels Conclusion These findings broaden our knowledge how when influences Therefore, appropriate measures should be taken prevent manage children' depression provide them corresponding guidance. Some could schools educators help high improving their such as self-reference tasks psychological intervention programs.