Problem Behavior and Depression in Chinese Adolescents: A Moderated Multiple Mediation Model

ABSTRACT This study explores the complex relationships among emotional and behavioral problems, self‐esteem, subjective well‐being, school satisfaction, and depression in adolescents. We conducted a comprehensive survey of 958 students aged 9–15 using self‐report questionnaires covering emotional and behavioral problems, self‐esteem, subjective well‐being, school satisfaction, and a depression symptom self‐assessment scale. The results reveal significant positive correlations between self‐esteem, subjective well‐being, and school satisfaction, and significant negative correlations between these factors and both emotional and behavioral problems and depression. Further analysis identified self‐esteem as both a parallel and sequential mediator between emotional and behavioral problems and depression, with the multiple mediation effect accounting for 28.23% of the total impact. Additionally, school satisfaction moderates the mediation process by influencing the relationship between self‐esteem and subjective well‐being, thereby mitigating the effect of subjective well‐being on depression. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing self‐esteem, fostering a positive school atmosphere, and improving adolescents' subjective well‐being to reduce the risk of depression.