Perceived Discrimination and Its Relationship with Self-Esteem and Depression among University Students

Abdulkadir Karabulut and Menekse Sahä°n

Fiscaoeconomia, 2026, issue 2

Abstract: This study aims to examine the relationship between perceived discrimination, self-esteem, and depression levels among university students. The study employed a cross-sectional and correlational research design. Data were collected from 594 undergraduate and associate degree students enrolled at a public university in Türkiye using a convenience sampling method. Descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted. The findings revealed that perceived discrimination and self-esteem were significantly associated with depression levels. The results of the regression analysis indicated that perceived discrimination and self-esteem together explained approximately 24% of the variance in depression. Furthermore, perceived discrimination and depression levels differed significantly according to gender, place of residence, and perceived economic status. Self-esteem also showed significant differences, particularly in relation to perceived economic status and field of study. Overall, the findings suggest that the mental health of university students should be evaluated within the context of social inequalities and individual psychological resources.

Keywords: Perceived Discrimination; Self-Esteem; Depression; University Students (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C21 I10 J16 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:fis:journl:260218

DOI: 10.25295/fsecon.1880973

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