Bullying victimization and depression among left-behind adolescents in China: Mediating role of self-esteem

We explored the mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between bullying victimization and depression among left-behind adolescents in China. The Delaware Bullying Victimization Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the Self-Esteem Scale were used in a survey conducted with 1,204 students at four middle schools in Shandong Province, China, including 619 left-behind adolescents and 585 non-left-behind adolescents. A significant difference was observed between these two groups: Left-behind adolescents scored significantly higher than did non-left-behind adolescents on bullying victimization and depression, and significantly lower on self-esteem. There were significant correlations between bullying victimization, self-esteem, and depression among the left-behind adolescents. Self-esteem played a partial mediating role between bullying victimization and depression among the left-behind adolescents. The results of this study could be used as a reference for staff of schools and family members in efforts to reduce depression of left-behind adolescents.