How Worries about Interpersonal Relationships, Academic Performance, Family Support, and Classmate Social Capital Influence Suicidal Ideation among Adolescents in Japan

Abstract

Suicide is an important public health issue for adolescents. To investigate the risk and protective factors for adolescent suicide, a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted at a junior high school (n = 379) in Japan in 2018. After obtaining survey data, we conducted univariate and logistic regression analyses to test for associations between suicidal ideation and several factors, including worries (i.e., about school life, interpersonal relationships at school, family life, interpersonal relationships at home, and academic performance), perceived support from school staff and family members, and social capital. In this context, the existence of trustful relationships between classmates was used as indicators of social capital. The results showed that the prevalence of suicidal ideation was 10.5%. The risk of suicidal ideation was increased by worries about 1) interpersonal relationships at school, 2) interpersonal relationships at home, and 3) academic performance, but was decreased by social support from family members and trusting relationships. Further, the rate of suicidal ideation was higher among students who expressed all these three worries when compared to those who expressed two or fewer worries. In addition, looking at students who expressed all these three worries simultaneously, the rate of suicidal ideation was higher among those with lower levels of support from family members and fewer trustful relationships. Our results suggest that the prevention of adolescent suicide should include strategies for reducing worries about interpersonal relationships at school/home and academic performance while finding ways to enhance family support and classmate social capital.

Prevalence, risk factors, and severity of suicidal ideation among Chinese adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…In addition, lacking family support and troubled parental relationships were found to be associated with an increased risk of suicidal ideation. These ndings are in line with previous research highlighting the importance of family relationships and support as protective factors against suicidal ideation [45,46], while family con ict exacerbates the severity of suicidal ideation [47]. These studies also underscore the crucial role of family dynamics and support systems in promoting adolescent mental health [48,49].…”

The protective influence of family support on anxiety, depressive symptoms, and suicidal ideation among elderly Chinese nursing home residents: A study of serial mediation

“…Feelings of exploitation, rejection, and emotional distance from family members exert a substantial impact on depression and suicidal ideation. [31,32] It is plausible that negative interactions, though perhaps less frequent, hold greater significance than positive ones, particularly in the domain of family relationships, and contribute significantly to these outcomes. Negative interactions have the potential to undermine one sense of personal control or self-worth, triggering adverse psychological characteristics such as depressive symptoms, which, in turn, can influence suicidal ideation.…”

A network analysis of risk and protective factors for suicidality among Chinese early adolescents: Based on a social-ecological perspective

“…Sex differences in suicidal ideation might be related to girls' higher vulnerability to psychosocial distress, internalizing problems, family violence, and sexual abuse [44]. As suicidal ideation is the earliest stage of suicidal behavior, which signi cantly predicts further suicidal plans and suicidal attempts [45], it is vital to determine the factors in uencing suicidal ideation to prevent adolescent suicide. Thus, preventive measures targeting impulsivity, family violence, and relationships with teachers and classmates may stem the progression from suicidal ideation to concrete suicidal plans or attempts, thereby reducing adolescent suicide risk.…”