Research Article

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

Volume: 10 Number: 2 May 28, 2026
TR EN

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

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

References

  1. Abel, K., Wiese, L., Park, J., & Williams, I. (2022). Perceptions about discrimination in a rural, older, racially and ethnically diverse cohort. Online Journal of Rural Nursing and Health Care, 22(2), 3-28. https://doi.org/10.14574/ojrnhc.v22i2.712
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  3. Alpaydın, S., & Kahraman, H. (2025). Üniversite öğrencilerinin benlik saygısı ve üniversite yaşamına uyumu arasındaki ilişkide algılanan ayrımcılığın aracı rolü. Dicle Üniversitesi Ziya Gökalp Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 47, 24-36. https://doi.org/10.14582/zgefd.1555270
  4. Alptekin, D. (2014). Çelişik duygularda toplumsal cinsiyet ayrımcılığı sorgusu: Üniversite gençliğinin cinsiyet algısına dair bir araştırma. Selçuk Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Enstitüsü Dergisi, 32, 203-211. https://izlik.org/JA26KK26SP
  5. Altuğ, B., & Aktan, T. (2025). Toplumsal cinsiyet rolü benlik kavramı ölçekleri geliştirme çalışması: Cinsiyet rolü özellikleri ve davranışlarında kadınsılık ve erkeksilik. Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Sosyal Bilimler Dergisi, 26(1), 248-277. https://doi.org/10.17494/ogusbd.1590342
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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Labor Economics

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

May 28, 2026

Submission Date

February 3, 2026

Acceptance Date

April 22, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 10 Number: 2

APA
Karabulut, A., & Sahin, M. (2026). Perceived Discrimination and Its Relationship with Self-Esteem and Depression among University Students. Fiscaoeconomia, 10(2), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.25295/fsecon.1880973
AMA
1.Karabulut A, Sahin M. Perceived Discrimination and Its Relationship with Self-Esteem and Depression among University Students. FSECON. 2026;10(2):1-14. doi:10.25295/fsecon.1880973
Chicago
Karabulut, Abdulkadir, and Menekse Sahin. 2026. “Perceived Discrimination and Its Relationship With Self-Esteem and Depression Among University Students”. Fiscaoeconomia 10 (2): 1-14. https://doi.org/10.25295/fsecon.1880973.
EndNote
Karabulut A, Sahin M (May 1, 2026) Perceived Discrimination and Its Relationship with Self-Esteem and Depression among University Students. Fiscaoeconomia 10 2 1–14.
IEEE
[1]A. Karabulut and M. Sahin, “Perceived Discrimination and Its Relationship with Self-Esteem and Depression among University Students”, FSECON, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 1–14, May 2026, doi: 10.25295/fsecon.1880973.
ISNAD
Karabulut, Abdulkadir - Sahin, Menekse. “Perceived Discrimination and Its Relationship With Self-Esteem and Depression Among University Students”. Fiscaoeconomia 10/2 (May 1, 2026): 1-14. https://doi.org/10.25295/fsecon.1880973.
JAMA
1.Karabulut A, Sahin M. Perceived Discrimination and Its Relationship with Self-Esteem and Depression among University Students. FSECON. 2026;10:1–14.
MLA
Karabulut, Abdulkadir, and Menekse Sahin. “Perceived Discrimination and Its Relationship With Self-Esteem and Depression Among University Students”. Fiscaoeconomia, vol. 10, no. 2, May 2026, pp. 1-14, doi:10.25295/fsecon.1880973.
Vancouver
1.Abdulkadir Karabulut, Menekse Sahin. Perceived Discrimination and Its Relationship with Self-Esteem and Depression among University Students. FSECON. 2026 May 1;10(2):1-14. doi:10.25295/fsecon.1880973
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