Abstract

BRAS, Marta; JESUS, Saul  and  CARMO, Cláudia. Risk and protective psychological factors associated with suicidAl ideation in adolescents. Psic., Saúde & Doenças [online]. 2016, vol.17, n.2, pp.132-149. ISSN 1645-0086.  https://doi.org/10.15309/16psd170203.

Adolescents are considered a risk group for suicide, according to the National Plan for Prevention of Suicide (DGS, 2013). Therefore, it is important to investigate their psychological vulnerability to suicidal acts. The main goal of the present study was to assess the relationship between psychological risk and protective factors and suicidal ideation. The sample comprised 344 adolescents (aged 14-19, M = 16,97, SD = 1,11, 200 women), which were tested on the following tests: personal data questionnaire; Reasons for living inventory for adolescents; Beck hopelessness scale; Inventory of negative life events; Rosenberg self-esteem scale; Scale of satisfaction with social support; and Suicidal ideation questionnaire. The results reveal the differential contribution of risk factors (negative life events and hopelessness) and protective factors (reasons for living, self-esteem and satisfaction with social support), which together explain around 40% of the suicidal ideation. The results also reveal that the level of suicidal ideation is directly influenced by negative life events, co-existing with an influence mediated by psychological factors. In conclusion, it is important to implement prevention strategies that reduce the effect of psychological risk factors and that promote the identified protective factors, especially in those adolescents who have experienced negative life events.

Keywords : suicidal ideation; adolescents; risk factors; protective factors.

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