Suicidal and nonsuicidal adolescents: different factors contribute to self-esteem.
Some risk and protective factors differ in their importance to suicidal and nonsuicidal people. In this research we explore the cross-sectional differences between risk factors among suicidal adolescents and nonsuicidal adolescents by focusing on self-esteem. Sixty-five suicidal and 390 nonsuicidal adolescents were compared on Harter's Self-Perceived Profile for Adolescents, self-concept stability, seeking support, loneliness, and depression. Self-concept stability, loneliness, and peer support correlated differently with self-esteem. In multivariate regression analyses, variance in self-esteem was explained by depression and loneliness, and among nonsuicidal adolescents also by self-concept stability, support, and competencies. Loneliness and self-concept stability related differently to self-esteem in suicidal and nonsuicidal adolescents. When the aim is to enhance self-esteem, this difference may delineate suicidal subgroups that need special interventions.
Grøholt
Berit
B
Sogn Centre for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in Oslo, Norway. berit.groholt@medisin.uio.no
Ekeberg
Oivind
O
Wichstrøm
Lars
L
Haldorsen
Tor
T
D000293:Adolescent; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008132:Loneliness / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires