AUTHOR=Rometsch Caroline , Mansueto Giovanni , Ceccatelli Sara , Cosci Fiammetta 

TITLE=The moderating role of stigma in the relationship between depression and resilience: results of a cross-sectional study in university students

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1392381

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1392381

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=Background/Objective: Depression is a growing concern in university students and resilience has shown to play a protective role. The impact of stigma is still under-explored, with reference to its moderating role between depression and resilience. The present study investigate such a relationship among Italian university students. Methods: A cross-sectional design was applied in a simple of 1,912 students to examine the interrelationships between depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), resilience (Nicholson McBride Resilience questionnaire), and stigma (Stigma-9). Correlation, predictor, and moderation analyses were applied in RStudio. Results: A negative correlation was found between depressive symptoms and resilience (r = -.455, p < .001). A positive correlation was found between depressive symptoms and stigma (r = .207, < .001). Lower levels of resilience and higher levels of stigma were significant predictors of depressive symptoms (F(df, n) ¬¬= 190.8(3, 1884),  p < .001, R² = .236). The moderation analysis showed a weakening of resilience protective effect against depression as stigma levels increase (F(df,n) = 186.7(3,1908), p < .001, R2 = .226). Conclusions: Stigma influences the relationship between depression and resilience. Anti-stigma interventions and programmes empowering resilience, should be implemented in university settings to protect students from depression.