The Relationship Between Perceived Social Support, Depression and Suicide Pro¬ Bability in Adolescents

Objective:

The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between perceived social support, depression levels and suicide probability in adolescents.

Method:

This study was carried out through the 2013-2014 academic year in Mardin among 927 high school students attending 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades. Students were evaluated by using Sociodemographic Data Form, Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), Social Support Appraisals Scale (SS-A) and Suicide Probability Scale (SPS).

Results:

Mean age of the students was 15,89±0.77 (SD=0.77 year); 489 (52.8%) were boys and 438 (47.2%) were girls. It was found that there was a significant negative relationship between all SS-A subscales and total scores, SPS scores and CDI scores (p<0.001). There was a significant positive relationship between SS-A total scores, fathers' level of education and families' economic status (p<0.05). When the relationships between SPS scores, socio-demographic characteristics, SS-A all subscale-total scores and CDI scores were examined via linear regression analysis method, a significant positive relationship between SPS scores, male gender and CDI scores (p<0.05) and a significant negative correlation between SS-A total scores and SPS scores (p<0.05) were observed.

Discussion:

The results of this study suggest that there was a significant negative relationship between perceived social support, depression levels and suicidal tendencies in adolescents. Within this context, organizing activities to support peer group relationships, educating teachers and parents about the concept of perceived social support would be of the essence regarding mental health of adolescents.