Key factors influencing how individuals cope with depressive symptoms and resist suicidal thoughts include self-respect and the perception of equal rights, according to research published in Health Psychology Open. The study, led by Daniela Renger, a university lecturer and research group leader at Kiel University, found that high self-respect served as a protective factor against depression and negative thoughts. Self-respect, defined as a person’s belief in possessing the same rights as others, was explored as a predictor of assertiveness in Western countries.
The research consisted of three separate studies. The first focused on European nations with 436 participants, the second on non-European countries (Iran, Indonesia, South Korea) with 1,533 participants, and the third in the UK with 172 participants. The combined analysis revealed a negative correlation between higher self-respect and depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. While these connections generally held true, some variability among individuals and cultures suggested that diverse factors across contexts could influence these associations.
The findings suggest that interventions and therapy could benefit from highlighting self-respect as a crucial aspect of an individual’s self-evaluation. Addressing the connection between perceptions of unequal rights and entitlements with depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts may be a valuable strategy. Cultivating self-respect might enhance assertiveness, positively impacting mental health.
However, the study has limitations, relying on correlational data, preventing the definitive establishment of causal relationships. Further research is needed to explore the causal directions implied by the observed correlations.
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