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The need for affiliation and depression amidst the post-acute pandemic: The mediation of self-esteem and moderation of insecure attachment among university students

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  • De Alwis, Jackelyn
  • Shi, Guangyuan
  • Li, Yan
  • Xu, Wei

Abstract

The study investigated the connection between the need for affiliation and depression in Chinese university students, considering the mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating effect of insecure attachment (both anxious and avoidant). Involving 804 students from two Chinese universities, participants provided self-reports on affiliation desire, self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and assessments of insecure attachment. The findings revealed that self-esteem partially mediated the relationship between the need for affiliation and depression. Both anxious and avoidant attachment styles moderated the connection between self-esteem and depression. A simple slopes analysis showed that high anxious attachment intensified the link between low self-esteem and high depression. Similarly, high avoidant attachment exacerbated the association between low self-esteem and higher levels of depression. The implications of these findings were discussed, emphasizing their significance for mental health support and interventions targeting university students.

Suggested Citation

  • De Alwis, Jackelyn & Shi, Guangyuan & Li, Yan & Xu, Wei, 2024. "The need for affiliation and depression amidst the post-acute pandemic: The mediation of self-esteem and moderation of insecure attachment among university students," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:164:y:2024:i:c:s0190740924004353
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2024.107863
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fagg, James H. & Curtis, Sarah E. & Cummins, Steven & Stansfeld, Stephen A. & Quesnel-Vallée, Amélie, 2013. "Neighbourhood deprivation and adolescent self-esteem: Exploration of the ‘socio-economic equalisation in youth’ hypothesis in Britain and Canada," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 91(C), pages 168-177.
    2. Janna Jaud & Tatiana Görig & Tobias Konkel & Katharina Diehl, 2023. "Loneliness in University Students during Two Transitions: A Mixed Methods Approach Including Biographical Mapping," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-15, February.
    3. Gerardo Gómez-García & Magdalena Ramos-Navas-Parejo & Juan-Carlos de la Cruz-Campos & Carmen Rodríguez-Jiménez, 2022. "Impact of COVID-19 on University Students: An Analysis of Its Influence on Psychological and Academic Factors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-15, August.
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