Mediating Effect of Self-esteem in the Relationship between Loneliness and Suicidal Ideation of Male Adolescents

Introduction: Research has found that problems in interpersonal relationships are positively associated with suicidal behaviors. Nevertheless, it is required to further investigate internal mechanisms underlying this relationship. So, the current study aimed to examine the mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between loneliness and suicidal ideation. Method: The research design was descriptive – correlational. From the male high school students’ population of Nourabad in the academic year of 2020, a total of 261 participants were selected using convenience sampling and were tested by Scale for Suicide Ideation, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the UCLA Loneliness Scale. To analyze the data, path analysis were conducted. Results: The findings revealed that there is a direct effect of loneliness on suicidal ideation. Also, results showed that the mediating role of self-esteem in the relationship between loneliness and suicidal ideation was significant. Conclusion: Based on the findings, it can be concluded that loneliness and self-esteem are two important factors affecting male adolescents’ suicidal ideation. Therefore, on the basis of the results of this study, it is necessary to develop intervention strategies regarding suicide ideation for adolescents that could be established and actively implemented to prevent adolescents’ suicide.