J Prev Med Public Health.  2019 Jan;52(1):30-40. 10.3961/jpmph.18.095.

Self-esteem as a Moderator of the Effects of Happiness, Depression, and Hostility on Suicidality Among Early Adolescents in Korea

• Choi YS
• Shin HK
• Hong DY
• Kim JR
• Kang YS
• Jeong B
• Park KS
• Lee KH

• KMID: 2440464
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3961/jpmph.18.095

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of self-esteem as a moderator of the factors influencing suicidality among middle-schoolers.
METHODS
Moderated multiple regression analysis was applied to assess the influence of happiness, depression, and hostility on suicidality and to determine the degree to which self-esteem served as a moderator of those relationships. Data were collected from 268 students at a middle school in Busan, Korea, using a self-administered structured questionnaire.
RESULTS
Happiness, depression, and hostility had significant direct effects on suicidality. Self-esteem showed no direct effect, but had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between hostility and suicidal behavior.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that various interventions, such as counseling programs, should be designed to alleviate hostility and depression and to enhance happiness and self-esteem among early adolescents.

Keyword

Suicidality; Hostility; Self-esteem; Early adolescents

MeSH Terms

Adolescent*
Busan
Counseling
Depression*
Happiness*
Hostility*
Humans
Korea*