Depression, self-efficacy, and the mediating role of self-esteem: evidence from women entrepreneurs

This study investigates the relationship between depression and self-efficacy among women entrepreneurs in Herat, with a particular emphasis on the mediating role of self-esteem. The entrepreneurial context, while offering financial independence and personal growth, also exposes women to significant psychological stressors such as financial insecurity, patriarchal norms, and limited social support. A total of 110 entrepreneurial women aged 20–45 participated in this research through convenience sampling. Data were collected using standardized instruments: the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (SEI), and the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE). Analysis was performed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings revealed that depression negatively predicted both self-esteem and self-efficacy, while self-esteem exerted a significant positive effect on self-efficacy. Mediation testing confirmed that self-esteem partially mediated the relationship between depression and self-efficacy, explaining a substantial proportion of the variance in self-efficacy ( R 2 = 0.49). These results highlight the dual psychological challenges faced by women entrepreneurs, where depressive symptoms reduce both perceived competence and self-worth, subsequently lowering efficacy. The study demonstrates that enhancing self-esteem is a key pathway to mitigating the detrimental effects of depression and improving entrepreneurial resilience. Practical implications include the development of interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, self-esteem enhancement workshops, and peer-support initiatives tailored to entrepreneurial contexts. By addressing both depressive symptoms and self-esteem, such strategies may strengthen self-efficacy, support women's psychological well-being, and ultimately promote sustainable entrepreneurial success in developing economies.