This study examined the mediating role of psychological suzhi on the relationship between perceived social support and self-esteem in a sample of 612 Chinese secondary school students (grades 7–12, mean age 15.20 ± 1.73 years). Structural equation modeling revealed that the association between perceived social support and self-esteem was partially mediated by psychological suzhi, and perceived social support not only directly affected students’ self-esteem but also indirectly affected students’ self-esteem through psychological suzhi. Moreover, the mediating effect of psychological suzhi showed transgender and cross school section stability. These findings can help us understand how perceived social support affects self-esteem, from the perspective of psychological suzhi.
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