Citation

Soto-Sanz V, Piqueras JA, Rodríguez-Marín J, Pérez-Vázquez MT, Rodríguez-Jiménez T, Castellví P, Miranda-Mendizábal A, Parés-Badell O, Almenara J, Blanco MJ, Cebria A, Gabilondo A, Gili M, Roca M, Lagares C, Alonso J. Psicothema 2019; 31(3): 246-254.

Affiliation

Department of Health Psychology, Miguel Hernandez University.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Departamento de Psicología de la Universidad de Oviedo, Publisher Colegio Oficial de Psicológicas de Asturias)

DOI

10.7334/psicothema2018.339

PMID

31292038

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Previous literature suggests that low self-esteem is a risk factor for suicide attempts, but no meta-analyses have been conducted to assess this association in adolescents/young adults. The present study examined the relationship between low self-esteem and suicide attempts in young people (12-26 years old).

METHOD: Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects models (ES) and odds ratio (OR). Heterogeneity and sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS: From 26,883 initial titles, 22 studies met the inclusion criteria, of which 9 studies had data that could be included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that youths with lower self-esteem were more likely to have future suicide attempts, with an effect size (self-esteem as continuous variable) of d =.58 (95% CI =.44 -.73) and, for low self-esteem (categorical variable) an OR = 1.99 (95% CI = 1.39-2.86; p <.001).

CONCLUSION: A low level of self-esteem is a risk factor for suicide attempts in adolescents/young adults.

Language: en