Protective effects of self-esteem and family support on suicide risk behaviors among at-risk adolescents.

PROBLEM If and how family support and self-esteem might interact to protect against adolescent suicide risk is not well understood. METHODS Hierarchical multiple regression was used to examine the moderating effect of family support on the relationship between self-esteem and suicide risk behaviors among potential high school dropouts (N = 849), using questionnaires and in-depth assessment interviews. FINDINGS Family support moderated the impact of self-esteem on suicide risk; the ameliorating effect of self-esteem was stronger among adolescents with low versus high family support. CONCLUSIONS Self-esteem influences adolescent suicide risk behaviors for youth with low as well as high family support. Interventions designed to strengthen both self-esteem and support resources are appropriate.