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

• Published in: Journal of preventive medicine and public health Vol. 52; no. 1; pp. 30 - 40
• Main Authors: Choi, Yeun-Soon, Shin, Hee Kyoung, Hong, Dae-Yong, Kim, Jang-Rak, Kang, Yune-Sik, Jeong, Baekgeun, Park, Ki Soo, Lee, Key Hyo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) Korean Society for Preventive Medicine 01.01.2019; 대한예방의학회
• Subjects: Early adolescents; Hostility; Original; Self-esteem; Suicidality; 예방의학; Hostility; Self-esteem; Suicidality; Early adolescents
• ISSN: 1975-8375; 2233-4521
• DOI: 10.3961/jpmph.18.095

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of self-esteem as a moderator of the factors influencing suicidality among middle-schoolers. 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. 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. 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.