Association between self-esteem and efficacy and mental health in people with disabilities

This study aimed to investigate the association among self-evaluations-such as self-esteem and self-efficacy-self report of depression, and perceived stress among Korean individuals with disabilities. Data from the second wave of the Panel Survey of Employment for the Disabled (collected from 2016-2018) were used. In 2016 and the follow-up in 2018, 4,033 participants were included. We estimated the annual change in both independent variables and the probability of self-report of depression and stress. Generalized estimating equation model and chi-square test were used. Compared with those whose self-esteem and self-efficacy scores were ≥30, those with scores ≤19 were, respectively, 5.825 (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 4.235-8.011; p < .0001) and 1.494 times (95% CI: 1.233-1.810; p < .0001) more likely to have self-report of depression. The perceived stress of those with self-esteem scores ≤19 or ranging from 20-24 were, respectively, 2.036 (95% CI: 1.510-2.747; p < .0001) and 1.451 times higher (95% CI: 1.269-1.659; p < .0001) than those with self-esteem scores ≥30. There exists an inverse correlation between self-evaluations, such as self-efficacy and self-esteem, and mental health in people with disabilities. The results of this study can be used as a basis for developing interventional strategies and training and intervention programs for people with disabilities. Future research is needed to investigate potential mediating factors among Korean individuals.