ABSTRACT: This study explored the chain mediating mechanism of core self-evaluation and self-esteem between effort-reward imbalance and adolescent problem behaviors. A total of 301 junior high students completed questionnaires. Results indicated effort-reward imbalance positively predicted problem behaviors; core selfevaluation and self-esteem played independent and chain mediating roles. The study provides intervention suggestions for adolescent mental health.
KEYWORDS : adolescent problem behavior, core self-evaluation, effort-reward imbalance, self-esteem