Cumulative ecological risk and depression in college students: the mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating role of psychological resilience

This study proposes a moderated mediation model examining self-esteem as a mediator between cumulative ecological risk (CER) and depression among college students, and tests whether psychological resilience (PR) buffers the initial stage of this pathway (i.e., the CER–self-esteem link). A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1363 Chinese university students using self-report questionnaires. CER was assessed through a composite index measuring five ecological domains. Self-esteem was evaluated using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, PR with the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10), and depressive symptoms with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0, with moderated mediation examined through the PROCESS macro (v4.2, Model 7). (1)CER significantly and positively predicted depression.(2) Self esteem partially mediates the relationship between CER and depression.(3) PR moderates the initial stage of the mediation pathway—specifically, the relationship between CER and self-esteem. For college students with high PR, CER has a far smaller detrimental effect on self-esteem. This study identified self-esteem as a potential mediator in the association between CER and depression among college students, and further indicated that PR plays a “protective shield” moderating role in the initial stage of this pathway, namely the process by which CER is associated with diminished self-esteem. These findings provide a theoretical basis for psychological interventions targeting high-risk college students, particularly those centered on enhancing PR.