Childhood emotional abuse and adolescent depression: The mediating role of resilience and self-efficacy

Zhenhong Wang^1,2, Hailong Wu^3,*
1 College of Education, Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang, 236037, China
2 School of Educational Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, 241000, China
3 Faculty of Education, Northeast Normal University, Changchun, 130024, China
* Corresponding Author: Hailong Wu. Email: email

Journal of Psychology in Africa https://doi.org/10.32604/jpa.2025.073522

Received 11 November 2024; Accepted 02 September 2025; Published online 18 November 2025

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Abstract

We examined the direct relationship between childhood emotional abuse and depression in adolescents and the mediating roles of resilience and self-efficacy in that relationship. Using a cross-sectional study design, 636 Chinese adolescents (Girls = 48.6%, mean years of service = 15.8, SD = 1.9) completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Ego-Resiliency Scale (ERS), the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Mediation analysis revealed that childhood emotional abuse significantly predicted higher levels of depression. Moreover, resilience and self-efficacy were found to mediate this relationship both independently and sequentially. Specifically, resilience accounted for 7.48% of the mediation effect, while self-efficacy accounted for 5.89%, indicating that resilience played a relatively more prominent mediating role. The chain mediation effect involving both constructs was 2.41%. These findings enhanced the attachment theory understanding of the mechanism of childhood emotional abuse and depression. Prospective prevention and treatment of depression among adolescents should consider resilience and self-efficacy.