The Effect of Stress on Depression in Postgraduate Students: Mediating Role of Research Self-Efficacy and Moderating Role of Growth Mindset

This study investigates the relationship between stress and depression among postgraduate students, with a focus on the mediating role of research self-efficacy and the moderating role of growth mindset. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 2278 graduate students nationwide, utilizing the Mindset Scale, Depression–Anxiety–Stress Scale, and Research Self-Efficacy Scale. Data were analyzed using SPSS 27.0 and AMOS 24.0. The results indicate the following: (1) Stress has a significant positive relationship with depression, while stress is negatively related to research self-efficacy, and research self-efficacy is negatively related to depression. (2) Research self-efficacy partially mediates the relationship between stress and depression, accounting for 35.6% of the total effect. (3) Growth mindset moderates both the relationship between stress and research self-efficacy and the relationship between research self-efficacy and depression. These findings reveal the mechanisms through which stress affects depression among graduate students, underscore the importance of mental health education, and provide scientific evidence for universities and educational institutions to design targeted prevention and intervention measures.