The Relationship between Self-Esteem and Depression among Chronically Ill Teachers in Malaysia

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship between self-esteem and depression levels among teachers with chronic illnesses. Utilizing a quantitative cross-sectional survey design, a sample of 510 teachers (43.3% male, 56.7% female) was selected via cluster sampling across Malaysia. Data were collected using the validated Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), both of which demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (alpha = 0.69 and alpha = 0.84, respectively). Inferential data analysis involved independent samples t-tests and Pearson correlation analysis. The t-test results revealed no significant difference in self-esteem based on gender (t(508) = 1.422, p > .05), although the mean score for male teachers (M = 33.484, SD = 4.392) was slightly higher than that of female teachers (M = 32.896, SD = 4.918). However, a statistically significant difference was observed in depression levels by gender (t(508) = 2.075, p < .05), where chronically ill male teachers exhibited a significantly higher mean depression score (M = 33.484, SD = 20.076) compared to female teachers (M = 29.848, SD = 19.242). Pearson correlation analysis indicated a significant but weak negative relationship between self-esteem and depression (r = -.099, p < .05). The implications of this study underscore the urgent need for the Ministry of Education (MOE), District Education Offices (DEO), and school administrators to design psychological interventions, emotional support systems, and conducive physical infrastructure to safeguard the welfare of educators experiencing chronic health conditions, thereby enhancing the overall well-being of the national education ecosystem.