A transdiagnostic model of low self-esteem: Pathway analysis in a heterogeneous clinical sample

Abstract

Background: Low self-esteem (LSE) has been associated with several psychiatric disorders, and is presumably influenced by transdiagnostic factors. Our study was based both on investigations of the relationship between depression and LSE (vulnerability, scar, reciprocal models) and on theories of cognitive factors contributing to the development and maintenance of LSE, such as Melanie Fennell's model, the catalyst model and the Self-Regulatory Executive Function model. Aims: Based on the theories above, in our cross-sectional study we aimed at understanding more specifically the transdiagnostic factors that can maintain LSE in a heterogeneous clinical sample. Method: Six hundred and eleven out-patients were assessed by SCID-I and self-report questionnaires. The model was tested by structural equation modelling. Results: Based on the fit indices, the hypothesis model did not fit the data; therefore, a modified transdiagnostic model was emerged. This model made a good fit to the data [χ2 (12, n=611)=76.471, p