Predictors of suicidal ideation for adolescents by gender.
OBJECTIVE
The purposes of this study were 1) to examine the differences in suicidal ideation and psychological variables by gender, 2) compare the contribution of demographic-behavioral variables and psychosocial variables in explaining the variance in suicidal ideation, and 3) identify the most important predictors of suicidal ideation for male adolescents and female adolescents.


METHODS
The subjects consisted of 271 male adolescents and 230 female adolescents. Data were collected through self-report questionnaires, which were constructed to include SSI-C, DEP subscale of the SCL-90-R, PACI, and SWLS. The data were analyzed by the SPSS/WIN program.


RESULTS
Suicidal ideation differed by gender. Depression and family communication differed by gender. The unique contribution of demographic-behavioral variables and psychosocial variables in explaining the variance in suicidal ideation differed between male adolescents and female adolescents. The significant predictors of suicidal ideation for male adolescents were life satisfaction, depression, and family communication, explaining 28% of the variance in suicidal ideation. The significant predictors of suicidal ideation for female adolescents were depression, smoking, and life satisfaction, explaining 38% of the variance in suicidal ideation.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings of this study suggest that the approach to effective suicide prevention program for adolescents should consider gender differences.
Park
Hyun Sook
HS
Department of Nursing, Catholic University of Daegu, Korea.
Koo
Hyun Young
HY
Schepp
Karen G
KG
D000293:Adolescent; D003863:Depression / Q000523:psychology; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007723:Korea; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology*; D000092864:Suicide Prevention