Perceived discrimination and depression among Chinese middle school students: Mediating role of self-esteem

We explored the mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between perceived discrimination and depression among Chinese middle school students. Participants in the study were 750 students who completed the Perceived Discrimination Questionnaire, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. The results showed that perceived discrimination and self-esteem were positively correlated with depression, and perceived discrimination and self-esteem were significantly and positively associated. Furthermore, the relationship between perceived discrimination and depression was mediated by self-esteem. Thus, mitigating perceived discrimination can help reduce depression among middle school students.