Het verband tussen piekeren en suïcidaal gedrag bij middelbare scholieren met depressieve klachten

Abstract

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents. Depressive symptoms are the greatest risk factor for developing suicidal behavior. Worrying appears to maintain and strengthen the influence of depressive complaints, especially in women. Therefore, worrying is expected to increase the risk of suicidal behavior. To investigate this, the research question was as follows; "What is the influence of depressive complaints on suicidal behavior in young people, and how does worrying moderate this relationship?" Sex was included as a control variable. A positive relationship was expected between depressive complaints and suicidal behavior with a strongly moderating effect of worrying. Participants were high school students (11-15 years old) from fifteen schools in Southeast Brabant (N = 1444). Suicidal behavior, Depressive complaints and Worrying were measured using questionnaires. A linear multiple hierarchical regression was performed to investigate the influence of depressive complaints on suicidal behavior, and the moderating role of worrying. The analyses show that Sex was a significant predictor of suicidal behavior. Additionally, there was a significant positive relationship between depressive complaints and suicidal behavior. Worrying also had a significant positive influence on suicidal behavior. Finally, worrying had a strengthening effect on the relationship between depressive complaints and suicidal behavior. Both hypotheses are adopted based on the results. Also, as expected, girls were more likely to suffer from depressive complaints, suicidal behavior and worrying. In conclusion, current study shows that worrying moderates the positive relationship between depressive symptoms and suicidal behavior. More interventions focused on reducing worrying are recommended.