Depressive Symptoms and Self-Esteem in Moroccan School Children: Public Health Implications from a Cross-Sectional Study

Background: The depressive state negatively affects self-esteem, particularly among younger age groups. This study aims to explore how depression affects self-esteem in children attending a primary school in Kenitra. Objective: This study aims to examine the effects of depressive states on self-esteem, in order to better understand the complex relationship that exists between these two dimensions of mental health. Methods: Our sample included 205 students (108 boys and 97 girls), aged 8 to 14 years, ranging from 3rd to 6th grade, from a primary school in Kenitra. To assess self-esteem, the Toulouse Self-Esteem Scale (ETES) was adopted, while the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) was used to evaluate levels of depression. Results: Results shows that the children generally hold a positive self-image, with an average self-esteem score of 206.6 out of 300 (ranging from 138 to 264). However, as children grow older, self-esteem tends to decline. Girls consistently report lower self-esteem than boys throughout the age range. In terms of depression, both boys (17.08) and girls (16.91) scored below the clinical threshold of 19. Nonetheless, girls showed slightly higher overall rates of depression. While boys exhibited marginally lower scores, we observed that their depressive symptoms often emerge through irritability or aggression rather than sadness signaling an important area for attentions. Conclusion : This research highlights the particularly adverse impact of depressive states on the self-esteem of primary school students.