Mediating Effects of Psychological Resilience and Self-esteem on the Association Between Early Childhood Adversity and Depressive Symptoms Among Adolescents in Nigeria

Individuals who experience early childhood adversities are at risk of developing mental health problems including depression. Psychological resilience and self-esteem can ease the impact of these childhood adversities on mental health. However, there are few studies evaluating these associations. This study aimed to determine the mediating effects of psychological resilience and self-esteem on the association between early childhood adversity and depressive symptoms among adolescents in Nigeria.

This cross-sectional study collected data on early childhood adversity, depressive symptoms, psychological resilience, and self-esteem from adolescents 13–19 years old between September and October 2020 using an online platform. Multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent variables (adverse childhood experiences, psychological resilience, and self-esteem) associated with depressive symptoms, while adjusting for age, education level completed, and sexual identity (heterosexual, sexual minority individuals). Mediation path analyses were also conducted to determine the total and direct associations between early childhood adversity and depressive symptoms, and indirect effects through psychological resilience and self-esteem.

There were 1321 complete responses, of which 767 (58.1%) reported depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms (B: 0.28, p < 0.001) were significantly positively associated with early childhood adversity, while psychological resilience significantly mediated the total effect of early childhood adversity on depressive symptoms. The total effect was 0.946 (p < 0.001), the direct effect was 0.846 (p < 0.001), and the indirect effect was 0.101 (p < 0.001).

Targeting efforts to build psychological resilience may reduce the risk of depressive symptoms among adolescents who grow up in an environment like Nigeria where the risk of experiencing early childhood adversity is high.