Effects of Family Functioning, Self-esteem, and Cognitive Distortion on Depression among Malay and Indonesian Juvenile Delinquents

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of family functioning, self-esteem and cognitive distortion on depression among 189 Malay and 131 Indonesian juvenile delinquents. Research measurements were: Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale (FACES III), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale (RADS), and Cognitive Distortion Scale (CDS). Results indicated that: the Malay juvenile delinquents were significantly more depressed than the Indonesian juvenile delinquents; significant interaction effects of family functioning, self-esteem, and cognitive distortion on depression in both groups; no significant effect of family functioning on depression and finally a significant effect of self-esteem and cognitive distortion on depression.