Social Support as a Mediator of the Relationship Between Self-esteem and Positive Health Practices: Implications for Practice

Introduction: This study developed and tested theory to gain a better understanding of the factors influencing positive health practices (PHP) among Asian American adolescents. Theoretical relationships postulated among (a) PHP and (b) self-esteem (SE), and (c) social support (SS) were tested. Objective: Based on the theoretical and empirical linkages found in the literature between SE and PHP, SE and SS, and SS and PHP, it is hypothesized that there is a positive relationship between SE and PHP; there is a positive relationship between SS and PHP; and that SS mediates the relationship between SE and PHP in Asian adolescents and thus helps to explain this relationship. Method: This correlational study used a convenience sample of 163 Asian adolescents in an urban setting who completed four questionnaires. Pearson correlations and multiple regression analysis were used to test research hypotheses. Results: There were statistically significant positive relationships between SE (r = .288, p < .01) and SS (r = .435, p < .01) with PHP. There was a statistically significant relationship between SS (r = .426, p < .01) and SE. Social support mediated the relationship between SE and PHP. Conclusion: Findings contribute to a more comprehensive knowledge base regarding factors influencing the health practices among Asian adolescents.