Citation

Wild LG, Flisher AJ, Lombard C. J. Adolesc. 2004; 27(6): 611-624.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701 South Africa.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.adolescence.2004.03.001

PMID

15561306

Abstract

This study aimed to disentangle the influence of depression and self-esteem on suicidal behaviour in adolescence. Grades 8 and 11 students in Cape Town, South Africa ( [Formula: see text] ) completed questionnaires assessing suicidal ideation and behaviour, depression, and self-esteem with respect to family, peers, school, sports/athletics, body image and global self-worth. Data were analysed using a series of multinomial logistic regression models adjusted for gender, grade, race and the sampling strategy. Results indicated that depression and low self-esteem in the family context were independently associated with suicide ideation and attempts. Moreover, low family self-esteem significantly differentiated suicide attempters from ideators. Screening for depression and low self-esteem in the family context is discussed as a possible strategy for helping to identify adolescents at risk for suicide attempts.