Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: This study examines the impact of anxiety and depressive symptomatology on self-esteem among Greek practicing lawyers. The high-stress environment of the legal profession is known to heighten the risk of mental health issues, yet limited research exists on Greek lawyers. The study aims to explore associations between anxiety, depressive symptoms, and self-esteem, hypothesizing that increased anxiety and depression correlate with reduced self-esteem. METHOD: The study utilized a correlational design with a sample of 80 Greek lawyers, recruited through professional associations. Participants completed the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES). Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and multiple regression were used to assess the relationships between anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. RESULTS: The findings indicated significant negative correlations between self-esteem and both depressive (r = -0.631, p < 0.001) and anxiety symptoms (r = -0.405, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that both depression (β = -0.558, p < 0.001) and anxiety (β = -0.225, p = 0.014) were significant predictors of lower self-esteem, explaining approximately 44% of the variance in self-esteem scores. CONCLUSIONS: The study concludes that higher levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms significantly lower self-esteem among Greek lawyers, underscoring the need for mental health support within this profession. Addressing mental health issues in legal professionals may promote better self-esteem and overall well-being, with potential benefits for both lawyers and their clients.