# Psychological strain among Chinese master’s students: protective mechanisms of self-esteem and influences of urban–rural background and gender

## TL;DR

Chinese master’s students experience psychological strain influenced by rural-urban background and gender, with self-esteem acting as a key protective factor.

## Contribution

This study identifies self-esteem as a strong protective factor against psychological strain in Chinese master’s students, with gender-specific effects.

## Key findings

- Rural students reported significantly higher psychological strain than urban students, especially in deprivation strain.
- Self-esteem was the strongest negative predictor of psychological strain across all dimensions.
- The protective effect of self-esteem was stronger for females than for males.

## Abstract

In China, master’s students form a large and growing population confronting unique developmental challenges, such as academic pressure and career uncertainty. However, specialized mental health research targeting this group, particularly focusing on the interplay between demographic factors and psychological resources, remains underdeveloped. This study investigates how residential background (rural vs. urban) and gender predict psychological strain among Chinese master’s students, as well as the predictive and moderating roles of self-esteem in this relationship.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in August 2025 among 315 master’s students at Jiamusi University, a public university in northeastern China. Participants completed the Psychological Strain Scale (PSS; α = 0.96) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES; α = 0.82). Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations, hierarchical regression, independent samples t-tests.

Rural students reported significantly higher total psychological strain and higher scores on all strain dimensions (aspiration, coping, deprivation, value strains) than their urban peers, with the largest difference observed in deprivation strain (Cohen’s d = 0.59). Males exhibited significantly higher deprivation strain than females (d = 0.29). Self-esteem emerged as the strongest negative predictor of total strain (β = −0.66, p < 0.001) and all dimension-specific strains. Furthermore, the protective effect of self-esteem was significantly stronger for females than for males (interaction B = −0.65, SE = 0.23, t = −2.83, p = 0.004), whereas its effect was consistent across rural and urban groups.

Psychological strain in Chinese master’s students is shaped by the complex interplay of structural (rural–urban background), cultural (gender roles), and psychological (self-esteem) factors. Self-esteem serves as a universal protective asset. Interventions should integrate structural equity measures, gender-responsive support, and universal self-esteem cultivation. Establishing a university-family-society collaborative education mechanism is crucial for effective mental health promotion.