Reciprocal relationships between self-esteem, coping styles and anxiety symptoms among adolescents: between-person and within-person effects

Abstract

Background Previous researches have not distinguished the between-person effects from the within-person effects when exploring the relationship between self-esteem, coping styles, and anxiety symptoms among adolescents. To address this gap, this study investigated reciprocal associations among self-esteem, coping styles, and anxiety symptoms in a three-wave longitudinal panel survey, using an analytical strategy that disaggregates the within-person and the between-person variance. Methods Data was drawn from the Longitudinal Study of Adolescents’ Mental and Behavioral Well-being Research study conducted in 10 public schools in the Guangdong province of China. All participants had a baseline visit (N = 1957, mean age 13.6, grades 7 and 10) and follow-up interviews at 1-year intervals for 3 years. A random intercept cross-lagged panel model combined with mediation analysis was performed. Results At the within-person level, the following results were observed. (1) Low self-esteem and anxiety symptoms bidirectionally predicted each other. (2) Low self-esteem and negative coping style bidirectionally predicted each other. (3) Anxiety symptoms predicted subsequent negative coping style but not vice versa. At the between-person level, we obtained the following main results. (1) Significant predictive effects on the random intercept were found among all three study constructs. (2) There were sex differences regarding the association between self-esteem and anxiety symptoms and the correlation of females was stronger than that of males. (3) Self-esteem mediated the reciprocal relations between coping styles and anxiety symptoms. Conclusions Overall, findings revealed a reciprocal relationship between low self-esteem and anxiety symptoms for both females and males. Besides, anxiety symptoms predict subsequent negative coping style but not vice versa. We also highlighted the mediating role of self-esteem in the reciprocal relations between coping styles and anxiety symptoms. Thus, interventions targeted at promoting self-esteem and cultivating positive coping style may help reduce adolescent anxiety.

Anxiety Symptoms and Associated Psychological and Job-Related Factors Among Hospital Nurses

“…There is converging evidence that high self-esteem serves an anxiety-buffering function [ 45 ]. In a longitudinal study of Li et al [ 16 ], low self-esteem and anxiety symptoms bidirectionally predicted each other at the within-person level, suggesting the reciprocal relationship. Our results are consistent with these findings.…”

“…Individuals with high self-esteem respect and consider themselves worthy [ 15 ]. Low self-esteem is associated with anxiety symptoms in adolescents [ 16 ], whereas high self-esteem predicts fewer anxiety symptoms [ 17 ]. Growing evidence suggests that low self-esteem may predict anxiety [ 16 - 18 ].…”

“…Low self-esteem is associated with anxiety symptoms in adolescents [ 16 ], whereas high self-esteem predicts fewer anxiety symptoms [ 17 ]. Growing evidence suggests that low self-esteem may predict anxiety [ 16 - 18 ]. Happiness is thought to be a combination of the presence of positive affect, absence of negative affect, and satisfaction with life [ 19 ].…”

The bidirectional associations between self‐esteem and problematic eating behaviors in adolescents

“…More research is also needed to understand for whom focusing on self‐esteem might be particularly effective in reducing PEBs. Low self‐esteem is a transdiagnostic risk factor that has also been prospectively associated with higher anxiety and depressive symptoms at the within‐person level (Li et al, 2023; Masselink et al, 2018). Thus, programs improving self‐esteem may also inhibit the development of other mental health problems.…”

Exploración pedagógica en el campo de la performance musical a partir del empleo de un juego didáctico: Persona Sobre el Escenario

“…La autocrítica atenta contra la autoestima, que constituye la actitud positiva o negativa que la persona tiene hacia sí misma, la cual determina el modo en que evalúa subjetivamente su propia valía (Rosenberg, 1989). En estrecha vinculación con esto último, existe una clara asociación recíproca entre la baja autoestima, los trastornos de ansiedad y las dificultades para afrontar desafíos (Li et al, 2023), con un impacto significativo de la autoestima en las manifestaciones de ansiedad y en la regulación emocional (Fernandes et al, 2022). Existe, además, una asociación robusta entre la autocrítica y el desarrollo de trastornos por ansiedad social (Cox et al, 2004), de los cuales la APM constituye un caso específico.…”