The present research investigated the relationship between self-respect (i.e., a person's belief of possessing the same rights as others) and depressive symptoms. Based on earlier longitudinal findings that self-respect fosters assertiveness and that assertiveness negatively predicts depressive symptoms, we tested these relationships in Western and non-Western countries. Additionally, we explored associations with suicidal ideation. Across seven countries (N = 2408) we found that self-respect and depressive symptoms were negatively correlated. In addition, we found evidence for an indirect path via assertiveness as well as negative correlations with suicidal ideation in countries with available measures. Finally, within-manuscript meta-analyses confirmed the main path between self-respect and depressive symptoms across all seven countries. This research presents the first evidence for the negative association between self-respect (feeling equal to others) and depressive symptoms and highlights new directions for linking self and self-regard to mental health.

中文翻译：

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为什么对平等权利的信念很重要：西方和非西方国家的自尊、抑郁症状和自杀意念。

本研究调查了自尊（即一个人拥有与他人相同权利的信念）与抑郁症状之间的关系。根据早期的纵向研究结果，即自尊会促进自信，而自信会负面预测抑郁症状，我们在西方和非西方国家测试了这些关系。此外，我们还探讨了与自杀意念的关联。在七个国家 (N = 2408)，我们发现自尊和抑郁症状呈负相关。此外，我们发现证据表明，在采取了现有措施的国家中，自信与自杀意念存在负相关关系，存在间接路径。最后，手稿内的荟萃分析证实了所有七个国家自尊与抑郁症状之间的主要路径。这项研究首次提供了自尊（与他人平等的感觉）与抑郁症状之间负相关的证据，并强调了将自我和自尊与心理健康联系起来的新方向。