Protective effects of self-esteem and family support on suicide risk behaviors among at-risk adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
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.


RESULTS
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.
Sharaf
Amira Y
AY
Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health, University of Alexandria, Faculty of Nursing, Egypt. amira_psych@yahoo.com
Thompson
Elaine A
EA
Walsh
Elaine
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009516:New Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D015205:Northwestern United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012044:Regression Analysis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires