Suicidal Ideation Among Young Adults: Effects of Perceived Social Support, Self-Esteem, and Adjustment

Abstract

The authors examined the direction and extent of the effects of adjustment, perceived social support, and self-esteem on suicidal ideation among young adults exposed to stress. Two hundred thirty male soldiers in compulsory service applying for aid at medical clinics filled out self-report questionnaires. Findings showed that personal resources affect suicidal ideation both directly and indirectly. Both resources studied had moderating effects on the association between adjustment level and suicidal ideation. Furthermore, level of distress mediated the effect of perceived social support on suicidal ideation. Combining moderating and mediating models introduces a comprehensive pattern in which adjustment and resources affect suicidal ideation.

Perceived Social Support as Predictor of Suicide Ideation in Gunung Kidul High School Students

“…The present study found that perceived social support can predict suicide ideation significantly. This result is consistent with the previous researches (Kimbrough et al, 1996;Ponizovsky & Ritsner, 1999;Harris & Molock, 2000;Lieberman et al, 2005;Cho & Haslam, 2010). This might be because social support can function as a buffer from stress (Thoits, 1986;Barrera, 2000) to change the meaning of stress (Zimet et al, 1988;Barrera, 2000), also can make someone feel in control about their environments and situation.…”

“…That explains why someone who has high perceived social support can face stressful event better and more successfully (Barrera, 1986;Barrera, 2000). Meanwhile, those who have low perceived social support feel like they cannot solve all their problems and it will make them more likely have depressive symptoms (Kimbrough et.al., 1996;Ponizovsky & Ritsner, 1999;Harris & Molock, 2000;Lieberman et al, 2005;Cho & Haslam, 2010). Apparently, at some point, they will have suicide ideation because depression is the biggest predictor of suicide ideation (Beck, Kovacs, & Weissman, 1979;Brown, Beck, Steer, & Grisham, 2000;Cheung, Law, Chan, Liu, & Yip, 2006).…”

“…Depression symptoms, as the main predictor of suicide ideation, can be reduced with available and sufficient perceived social support (Beck, Kovacs, & Weissman, 1979;Barrera, 2000;Brown, Beck, Steer, & Grisham, 2000;Cheung, Law, Chan, Liu, & Yip, 2006). According to some research conducted by Kimbrough et al (1996), Ponizovsky and Ritsner (1999), Harris & Molock (2000), Lieberman et al (2005), and Cho & Haslam (2010), perceived social support can predict suicide ideation. This means that high perceived social support can decrease the possibility of suicide ideation to emerge.…”

Self-Referent Constructs and Medical Sociology: In Search of an Integrative Framework

“…Decreased self-esteem preceded the onset of bipolar depression and mediated the effects of social support on this disorder (Johnson et al 2000). Low self-esteem was associated with a higher likelihood of suicidal ideation (Lieberman, Solomon, and Ginzburg 2005) and moderated the relationship between the experience of distress and suicidal ideation. Cevera and his associates (2003) reported a prospective relationship between low self-esteem and new psychiatrically diagnosed cases of eating disorders.…”

The Color of Their Collar: Effects of Social Status Portrayal in Advertising on Self-Esteem

“…In particular, Jackson and Ervin (1991) suggested the need to consider "the potential impact of media portrayals on selfevaluations and, ultimately, on individual self-esteem" (p. 67). Self-esteem is of great concern because of its crucial role in individuals' lives, impacting issues including school performance, teenage pregnancy, crime, drug use, and suicide (Lieberman, Solomon, & Ginzburg, 2005;Mecca, Smelser, & Vasconcellos, 1989).…”