Rometsch C, Mansueto G, Ceccatelli S, Cosci F. The moderating role of stigma in the relationship between depression and resilience: results of a cross-sectional study in university students.
Front Psychol 2024;
15:1392381. [PMID:
38686087 PMCID:
PMC11056522 DOI:
10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1392381]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/objective
Depression is a growing concern in university students and resilience has shown to play a protective role. The impact of stigma is still under-explored, with reference to its moderating role between depression and resilience. The present study investigate such a relationship among Italian university students.
Methods
A cross-sectional design was applied in a simple of 1,912 students to examine the interrelationships between depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), resilience (Nicholson McBride Resilience questionnaire), and stigma (Stigma-9). Correlation, predictor, and moderation analyses were applied in RStudio.
Results
A negative correlation was found between depressive symptoms and resilience (r = -0.455, p < 0.001). A positive correlation was found between depressive symptoms and stigma (r = 0.207, p < 0.001). Lower levels of resilience and higher levels of stigma were significant predictors of depressive symptoms [F(df, n) = 190.8(3, 1884), p < 0.001, R2 = 0.236]. The moderation analysis showed a weakening of resilience protective effect against depression as stigma levels increase [F(df,n) = 186.7(3,1908), p < 0.001, R2 = 0.226].
Conclusion
Stigma influences the relationship between depression and resilience. Anti-stigma interventions and programs empowering resilience, should be implemented in university settings to protect students from depression.
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