Parents are thought to play an important role in the onset and maintenance of deliberate self-harm (DSH) in adolescents. This study aimed to examine the possible mediating influence of self-esteem...Show moreParents are thought to play an important role in the onset and maintenance of deliberate self-harm (DSH) in adolescents. This study aimed to examine the possible mediating influence of self-esteem on the relationship between perceived parental support and adolescent DSH, correcting for the effects of age, gender, traumatic life events, and substance use. A cross-sectional self-report questionnaire was used to collect data from Dutch high school students between the age of 14 and 18 (Age M = 15.26 years; SD = .74) from various regions throughout the Netherlands. Of the 4,171 adolescents whose data were analyzed, 552 indicated having engaged in DSH in the past. Results showed a direct effect of parental support on DSH occurrence, as well as an indirect effect via self-esteem. Therefore, the results of this study suggest the relationship between parental support and DSH to be partly mediated via self-esteem. These results support the idea that parents play an important role in adolescent DSH and suggest the importance of involving parents when implementing prevention interventions for adolescent DSH.Show less
In the Netherlands, suicide is the leading cause of death in youths aged 10 – 20. As emphasised by the World Health Organisation, suicide is preventable. Early identification of those at risk of...Show moreIn the Netherlands, suicide is the leading cause of death in youths aged 10 – 20. As emphasised by the World Health Organisation, suicide is preventable. Early identification of those at risk of suicide is essential to provide suitable care. Previous research has shown that those who have experienced adverse life events are at a greater risk of suicide. The Icelandic Model for Primary Prevention of Substance Abuse (IPM) is a pioneering preventative model. The main goal of this model is to prevent substance abuse in Icelandic youths. One major aspect of the IPM is community-building. Community building has shown to be able to aid in not only preventing substance abuse, but suicidality as well, as social isolation is a risk factor for suicidality. This study attempted to assess how youth suicidality, negative life events, and community support interconnect, and whether this relationship is the same in the Netherlands and Iceland. Results showed a significant relationship between negative life events and suicidal thoughts in youths. In the Netherlands, a small moderating effect of community support on this relationship was found; this was not found in Iceland. The relationship between negative life events, suicidal thoughts and community support is different in the two countries. This means that from this research, there is not enough data to support the idea that the IPM could help significantly reduce youth suicidality in the Netherlands through increased community support. Further research could focus more broadly on suicidal behaviour, rather than suicidal thoughts, in relation to community support and negative life events.Show less
