Protective Effects of Self‐Esteem and Family Support on Suicide Risk Behaviors among At‐Risk Adolescents

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.