An ecologically based model, which predicted that hopelessness (individual level) mediates the effects of family dysfunction (interpersonal level) & socioeconomic status (sociocultural level) was tested in a sample of 76 adolescent attempters. Little evidence of mediation was found. Hopelessness proved to be the best predictor of suicidal intent & ideation. Contrary to expectation, higher socioeconomic status related to more serious suicidal intent. (51 refs.)