Self-Esteem Variability and Vulnerability to Depression

Variability and level of self-esteem have been associated with risk for depression, but the mechanisms behind this association have not been elaborated. The current study hypothesized that variable self-esteem would be associated with negative interpersonal feedback-seeking, and that this association would mediate the relationship between variable self-esteem and depression. One-hundred thirty undergraduates completed measures of variability of self-esteem, negative feedback seeking, excessive reassurance seeking, and depression at baseline and 3 weeks later. Contrary to predictions, a mediational model was not supported; rather, results indicated complex patterns of interactions. Consistent with Kernis's (1993) theory of unstable self-esteem, level of self-esteem moderated the associations between variability of self-esteem, interpersonal feedback seeking, and depression. In general, variable, high self-esteem participants were less likely, and variable, low self-esteem participants were more likely, to seek reassurance. Variable, high self-esteem participants were at risk for depression following few negative life events, while stable, high self-esteem participants were most at risk for depression following many negative life events. Overall, results emphasize the importance of considering the role of life events, variability, and level of self-esteem in examining depression-related processes.