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Self-esteem is "our feeling of self-worth". It serves as both a protective and risk factor in the development of mental health problems. Mental disorders are among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide. Depression and anxiety are the two most common forms of mental disorders. Studies provide support that low self-esteem contributes to depression (Orth, Robins, & Roberts, 2008). In this paper, we have explored the role of materialism in influencing self-esteem as materialism has become a prevailing phenomenon these days and is adversely affecting the quality of life. Materialism refers to "the importance a person gives to his possession and his/ her acquisition". Correlational design was used to study the association between self-esteem and materialism and simple Linear Regression analysis was done to understand whether materialism emerges as a significant predictor of self-esteem. The sample consisted of 600 participants in the age range of 18 to 65 years from Agra and Mathura districts of Uttar Pradesh, India. The results indicate that materialism is negatively associated to and influences self-esteem. The findings of the research have both individual and social implications and can serve as the basis for designing effective interventions aimed at preventing or reducing depression.
Key words: Self-esteem, Materialism, Mental Health, Depression.
Self-esteem is how much we value and respect ourselves as a person. It is "our feeling of self-worth" as defined by Kaiser (1985). It is an "individual's attitude towards self" as opined by Rosenberg (1965). Selfesteem serves as both a protective and risk factor in the development of mental health problems.
Low self-esteem can manifest into negative traits/ feelings such as lack of confidence, indecisiveness, guilt, hopelessness, sadness, and hypersensitivity to criticism. According to Ziegler-Hill (2011), "low self-esteem increases the probability of poor adjustment in the wake of stressful or negative experiences" and "individuals with low self-esteem report higher levels of psychopathology and distress". Low self-esteem plays a critical role in the development of several mental disorders including anxiety, depression, and suicidal tendencies (DeHart, et al, 2006; Mann, et al, 2004). Silverstone and Salsali (2003) found that "all psychiatric patients suffer some degree of lowered self-esteem. Self-esteem was lowest in patients with major depressive disorder, eating disorders, and substance abuse. Around 300 million people suffer from depression, and 260...