The buffering effect of Psychological Flexibility on the relationship between self-esteem and depression

This study explores whether psychological flexibility (PF) moderates the relationship between self-esteem and depression, as suggested by the theoretical model underlying the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). According to the ACT model, it was hypothesized that the relationship between self-esteem and depression would be stronger in low- than in high-PF subjects. A total of 379 undergraduate students (73.9% female; Mean age = 22.9; SD = 6.8) completed measures of PF, self-esteem, and depression. The results from regression analyses showed that both lower self-esteem and PF scores were associated with higher depression. The interaction term (self-esteem x PF) was significant, suggesting that the effect of self-esteem on depression depends on PF levels. Additional analyses evidenced that the relationship between self-esteem and depression was stronger in the low- than in the high-PF group. These findings support PF as a moderator of the relationship between self-esteem and depression, hence suggesting that PF might buffer the detrimental effects of low self-esteem on mood.