Citation

Sharaf AY, Thompson EA, Walsh E. J. Child Adolesc. Psychiatr. Nurs. 2009; 22(3): 160-168.

Affiliation

Psychiatric Nursing and Mental Health, University of Alexandria, Faculty of Nursing, Egypt. amira_psych@yahoo.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1744-6171.2009.00194.x

PMID

19702970

Abstract

PROBLEM: 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. FINDINGS: 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.

Language: en