Family and School Contexts as Predictors of Suicidal Behavior among Adolescents: The Role of Depression and Anxiety

Abstract

Suicide is the highest external cause of death in the majority of developed countries. In adolescents, the prevalence of suicide has increased significantly in recent years, becoming a serious public health concern. The main aim of the present study is to characterize suicidal behavior, and to evaluate the relationship between family and school contexts and suicidal behavior through the possible mediating effects of depression and anxiety. The design of the study is cross-sectional. The sample was composed of 1386 Spanish adolescents from 14 high-schools. Suicidal behavior, anxiety, depression, family function, and school climate were evaluated through self-reported questionnaires. The results obtained show a significant association between adaptive family function and a positive school climate with low levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior. Mediation analyses revealed a significant full mediating effect of depression on family function and school climate with suicidal behavior. No significant mediating effects were found for anxiety. The results obtained underline the importance of family and school as protective factors for the prevention of suicidal behavior in adolescents, through the main mediating role of depression. Future studies should evaluate the mechanisms underlying the effects of family function and school climate on depression, and therefore, on suicidal behavior in adolescents.