The Relationship Between Self-Ësteem and Social Support with Depression in Male Prisoners

Background and The aim of this research was to assess the depression syndrome in male prisoners and its relationship with self-esteem and social support in a Shiraz-based prison. Ïn this correlational study, 82 male prisoners in Âdel Âbad prison in Shiraz were randomly selected and the Beck Depression Ïnventory, Çoopersmith self-esteem Questionnaire and Social Support Questionnaire were completed for them. Data was analyzed using Stepwise Multiple Regression and Pearson Çorrelation coefficient. %93.9 of prisoners had mild to severe depression and it was significant in relation with self-esteem and depression (P<0.001), however, the relationship between depression and social support was not significant. Results of multiple regression showed that self-esteem is a predictive factor for depression in prisoners (β=-0.505, P<0.001) while social support showed no significant relationship.Çonclusion: Âccording to the high prevalence of depression syndrome in prisoners, it is suggested that providing psychological services may decrease the prevalence of depression in male prisoners.