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Family functioning, coping strategy, and suicidal ideation among adolescents
Chin Wen Cong1, Wu Shin Ling2, Mimi Fitriana3
1Department of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Perak, Malaysia.
Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health
|December 21, 2020
Summary
Family functioning and coping strategies significantly impact adolescent suicidal ideation. Problem-focused coping mediates the link between family flexibility and suicidal thoughts in Malaysian adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Adolescent suicide is a global concern, particularly in Malaysia.
- Family functioning and coping mechanisms are critical factors influencing adolescent mental health.
- Understanding these relationships is vital for developing targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mediating role of coping strategies in the relationship between family functioning and suicidal ideation.
- To examine suicidal ideation among adolescents in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- To identify specific aspects of family functioning and coping that influence suicidal thoughts.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 852 adolescents aged 13-17 years in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Multistage cluster sampling was used for participant recruitment.
- Statistical analyses included Pearson's correlation, SPSS PROCESS macro for mediation, and independent samples t-test for sex differences.
Main Results:
- Positive family functioning (cohesion, flexibility) and problem-focused coping were negatively associated with suicidal ideation.
- Problem-focused coping significantly mediated the association between family flexibility and suicidal ideation.
- Significant sex differences in suicidal ideation were observed.
Conclusions:
- Family functioning and coping strategies are key correlates of adolescent suicidal ideation.
- Problem-focused coping plays a critical mediating role, particularly in the context of family flexibility.
- Findings highlight the importance of family support and adaptive coping skills in preventing adolescent suicide.
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