Structural Equations Modeling of Social Support with Suicide Ideation by Mediating Role of Life Satisfaction in Students

Background and Objectives: One of the most serious health threats is the prevalence of high-risk behaviors among adolescents. Adolescence is a period in which most people commit suicide due to the inability to deal with feelings of depression, anxiety, inefficiency, low self-esteem and dissatisfaction with life. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to determine the structural relationships between social support and suicidal ideation with the mediating role of life satisfaction in students. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study that was performed on 240 ninth grade male students in Babol city. Students were selected using two-stage cluster sampling method. Data collection method was through self-report using the Perceived Social Support Multidimensional Scale, Life Satisfaction Scale and Suicide Thought Questionnaire. Results: The findings showed that the research model has a good fit and the total effects of direct and indirect paths of 80% of students' suicidal ideation variables can be attributed to social support and life satisfaction. There was also a significant negative correlation between the components of social support and life satisfaction with suicidal ideation. Conclusions: The results of this study, by emphasizing the need for social support and also the mediating role of life satisfaction on students' suicidal ideation, can provide practical implications for improving the psychological status in this age group.