Mediating Effects of Perceived Belongingness to Suicidal Ideation in Adolescents

• In Event: 598 - Section on Sociology of Mental Health Roundtable Session
  In Refereed Roundtable: Table 09. Suicide

Abstract

The previous findings of Bearman and Moody (2004) show a significant relationship between independent variables and suicidal ideation in adolescents. Expanding on Bearman & Moody’s (2004) previous research, this study analyzes the mediators of perceived belongingness and suicidal ideation. This study uses secondary data from The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescents’ Health, Wave I-II to evaluate the intervening effects of perceived belongingness and suicidal ideation in adolescents and analyzes the mediators depression, grade point average, trouble with teachers and (other) students, social integration, school support, parental connection, and self-esteem. Results found that depression, trouble with teachers and (other) students, school support, parental connection, and self-esteem all significantly mediate the relationship between perceived belongingness and suicide ideation. These findings contribute to the current body of literature by assessing the nuanced mechanisms that impact adolescent suicidality in order to create preventative measures and interventions that better meet the needs of adolescents in the United States.

Author

• Adrianne Dues, University of South Carolina