Depression‐related emotional problems mediate the relation between hopelessness and suicidal ideation severity

Abstract

Objective Cross‐sectional research with adult samples suggests that hopelessness may indirectly affect suicidal ideation (SI) through overall depressive symptom severity. However, particular depressive symptom constellations, rather than overall symptoms, may underlie the association between hopelessness and SI. Yet, the cross‐sectional nature of these studies precludes examination of the temporal associations among these constructs. Methods Using path analysis, the present study examined whether depression‐related emotional problems mediate the relation between hopelessness and SI in a clinical sample of 110 adolescents over a 6‐month period. The specificity of depression‐related emotional problems as a mediator was also evaluated. Results After accounting for covariates, results supported the specificity of 3‐month depression‐related emotional problems as a mediator of the association between baseline levels of hopelessness and 6‐month SI. Conclusion Results suggest that treatment targeted specifically at hopelessness may help reduce depression‐related emotional problems and lower SI, and ultimately, adolescent suicide risk.

Factores de riesgo psicosociales relacionados con ideación suicida en adolescentes escolarizados, Suba (Bogotá), 2006-2018

“…Relaciones sexuales no planeadas, especialmente en menores de 15 años (13), así como el consumo de sustancias psicoactivas (SPA) por parte del adolescente (14), por la desinhibición que provocan, se relacionan con la ideación y el acto suicida impulsivo (15). Emocionalmente, la humillación, la vergüenza, la pérdida, la ruptura de una relación sentimental, hasta la desesperanza (visión pesimista del futuro) y la baja autoestima (16,17), se relacionan con la presencia de ideación suicida, así como el rechazo y la agresión de los pares (18). Finalmente, los trastornos de conducta alimentaria en adolescentes se relacionan no solo con la ideación, sino con los intentos suicidas (19).…”