Predictive Risk and Protective Factors for Suicidal Ideation in Adolescents

Fatores de Risco e Proteção Preditivos da Ideação Suicida em Adolescentes

Factores de Riesgo y Protección Predictivos de la Ideación Suicida en Adolescentes

Abstract

Suicidal ideation in adolescents is a global public health issue, but few studies explore this phenomenon in middle school. This study tested a predictive model for suicidal ideation, considering victimization by bullying and cyberbullying, social skills, school climate, and gender as variables in students in the final years of middle school. A total of 659 students, aged 10-18 years, of both sexes, from 6^th to 9^th grade in public schools participated. The instruments used included the Global School-based Student Health Survey, Delaware School Climate, and the Social Skills Inventory for Adolescents. The results of logistic regression indicated that increased verbal bullying and cyberbullying raised the likelihood of suicidal ideation by 5% and 9%, respectively, while better self-control and school climate reduced the likelihood by 6% and 2%. The study concludes that interventions should focus on promoting positive school environments and preventing violence.

Keywords:
suicide prevention; adolescence; violence; bullying; mental health