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. Highlights Suicidal 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.