Issn Print: 0196-206X
Publication Date: 2001/12/01
Low self-esteem and hopelessness in childhood and suicidal ideation in early adulthood
Excerpt
McGee R, Williams S, Nada-Raja S: Low self-esteem and hopelessness in childhood and suicidal ideation in early adulthood. J Abnorm Child Psychol 29:281, 2001.McGeeRWilliamsSNada-RajaSLow self-esteem and hopelessness in childhood and suicidal ideation in early adulthood.J Abnorm Child Psychol292812001
The authors examined individual and family characteristics during childhood that may lead to suicidal ideation in early adulthood. Participants were part of a longitudinal study; they were enrolled at age 3 years and have been evaluated repeatedly through adulthood. Data for the present study was obtained from a sample of 732 of the participants. When asked at ages 18, 21, or both, 17.3% of the sample reported having thoughts of suicide, with significantly more females (21.2%) than males (13.7%) endorsing this. Path analyses were conducted and revealed that low self-esteem and feelings of hopelessness early in life were predicted by family characteristics. Socioeconomic disadvantage predicted higher levels of hopelessness and lower levels of self-esteem in boys, whereas in girls socioeconomic disadvantage predicted only lower self-esteem. Harsh parent-child interactions predicted hopelessness in girls. Harsh parent-child interactions predicted thoughts of self-harm among boys, and poor family climate predicted thoughts of self-harm in girls. For boys, thoughts of self-harm was related to later suicidal ideation; this path was not observed in girls.
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