Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 25, 2025

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure
Published on: September 19, 2019
Social Support Reduces the Risk of Unfavorable Parenting Styles for Suicidal Behaviors in Early Adolescents
Objective:
Depression and perceived stress are important risk factors for suicidal behaviors among adolescents. The current study examined the joint effects of parenting styles on suicidal ideation (SI) and attempt (SA) in early adolescents while considering relevant individual factors, and evaluated whether social support can offset the risk.
Methods:
The present study was part of a large cohort study aiming at tracing the mental health and risk behaviors in adolescents, and we utilized baseline data collected from 645 4th grade students with complete assessment of suicidal behaviors, social support, parental bonding, depression, and perceived stress. Participants' mean age was 9.97 years (SD = 0.38) with 53.02% boys. Logistic regression was performed to analyze the associations between independent variables and youth suicidal behaviors.
Results:
16.28% students reported to have SI and 4.96% had SA. Depression (SI: OR = 3.66-3.89; SA: OR = 3.98-4.50), father's low care and high authoritarian (LCHA) (SI: OR = 3.04; SA: OR = 2.43), and low acceptance and high authoritarian (LAHA) (SI: OR = 3.58; SA: OR = 4.77) parenting styles were strong risk factors, while overall social support (SI: OR = 0.98; SA: OR = 0.97) was a protective factor of SI and SA for early adolescents. Perceived stress (OR = 1.07-1.08) and mother's LCHA parenting style (OR = 2.03) were risk factors of SI. Overall, a family with LCHA parenting (OR = 2.82) or LAHA parenting (OR = 3.35-3.72) regardless parental gender had increased risk for SI and SA.
Conclusion:
Family and social factors are important to consider in suicidal prevention and interventions among early adolescents, in addition to assessing individual risk factors. HighlightsSuicidal ideations (16.28%) and attempts (4.96%) were prevalent in early adolescents at elementary schools. Depression status remains a significant risk factor for both SI and SA in early adolescents.Unfavorable parenting styles (LCHA or LAHA) increased the risk of SI and SA, especially received from father.Overall social support had independent protective effect on suicidal behaviors, when taking aforementioned individual and family risk factors into account.
Related Concept Videos
Influence of Parents and Peers on Identity
Parental Influence on Identity Development
Parents serve as primary guides and managers in an adolescent's life, offering support instrumental in decision-making and personal growth....
Parenting Styles
Authoritarian Parenting
This style is strict and controlling, with little room for open dialogue. Authoritarian parents demand obedience and often enforce rules with minimal warmth. Children raised this way may lack social skills and initiative, usually comparing themselves to others unfavorably.
Authoritative...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques V
Sources of Self-Esteem I: Family Experience
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia

