Optimism and suicide risk: self-esteem mediation role and life events adjustment role

Abstract

Objective To explore the mediating role of self-esteem in optimism and suicidal risks, and the moderate effect of life events in optimism, suicidal risk and self-esteem. Methods 1 750 college students were surveyed with the life orientation test-revised(LOT-R ), the suicidal behaviors questionnaire-revised(SBQ-R), rosenberg self-esteem scale(SES) and adolescent self-rating life events check list (ASLEC). Results The total scores of SBQ-R, LOT-R , SES and ASLEC of college students were (4.78±2.10), (23.17±3.22), (29.58±4.43)and (36.54±21.73). Optimism scores were negatively correlated with suicidal risk scores(r=-0.23, P<0.01), optimism scores were positively correlated with self-esteem(r=0.50, P<0.01). Scores of self-esteem scales were negatively correlated with suicidal risk scores(r=-0.35, P<0.01). A structure equation model consists of optimism, self-esteem, suicidal risk and it had a better degree of fitting(the path form optimism to suicidal risk were r=-0.05, P<0.05, RMSEA=0.05, GFI =0.90, NFI =0.92, CFI=0.93). The relationship between optimism and suicide risk were mediated by self-esteem(P<0.01), which accounted for 76%of the total effects.The life events’ moderating effects between self-esteem and suicide risk were significant(P<0.01). Conclusion Self-esteem has a significant correlation with optimism and suicidal behaviors, self-esteem plays an intermediary role between optimism and suicidal behaviors, and life events play an regulation role between self-esteem and suicidal behaviors. Key words: Optimism; Self-esteem; Suicide; College students