Abstract
Protective effects of self-esteem and family support on suicide risk behaviors among at-risk adolescents.
Sharaf, A., Thompson, E., & Walsh, E.
PROBLEM: If and how family support and self-esteem might interact to protect against adolescent suicide risk is not well understood.
METHODS: Hierarchical multiple regression was used to examine the moderating effect of family support on the relationship between self-esteem and suicide risk behaviors among potential high school dropouts (N= 849), using questionnaires and in-depth assessment interviews.
FINDINGS: Family support moderated the impact of self-esteem on suicide risk; the ameliorating effect of self-esteem was stronger among adolescents with low versus high family support.
CONCLUSIONS: Self-esteem influences adolescent suicide risk behaviors for youth with low as well as high family support. Interventions designed to strengthen both self-esteem and support resources are appropriate.