Self-esteem as a protective factor against adolescent psychopathology in the face of stressful life events

Background: Adolescence is a period of transition, characterized by changing life events. Stressful life events impact the psychological health and quality of life (QoL) of adolescents. It is therefore critical to identify factors that protect adolescents from these stressors to inculcate resilience. The study aimed to explore the nature of life events experienced by adolescents, gender differences in life events, determine their association with psychological health, quality of life, and to investigate the potential protective role of self-esteem. Method: A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was chosen on a sample of 500 higher secondary school students. Life events were measured using the Child and Adolescent Survey of Experiences Scale (CASE). Depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and health related QoL (HRQoL) were assessed using Kutcher’s Adolescent Depression scale, Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders, Rosenberg Self-esteem scale, and KIDSCREEN-10 respectively. Results: Adolescents experienced significantly more positive life events. There were no gender differences in the experience of positive or negative life events. Depressed and anxious adolescents experienced significantly more negative life events. Self-esteem was the most significant factor that impacted adolescent QoL and protected against depression and anxiety when compared to life events in multiple regression analysis. Conclusion: Self-esteem is an important factor that buffers the negative effect of stressful life events in adolescence. It can serve as a target for the prevention of negative health outcomes as well as for optimal adolescent development.