Discrimination experiences of orphans and left-behind children in China as predictors of suicidal thoughts and behaviors: The mediating role of self-esteem.

Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, Vol 44(6), 2023, 518-524; doi:10.1027/0227-5910/a000903Background: Suicide has been recognized as a serious problem in orphans and left-behind children. It is important to examine the differences in the factors affecting suicidal thoughts and behaviors between the two groups. Aims: To compare the lifetime rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors between orphans, left-behind children, and other children, and to assess the impact of discrimination experiences and the mediating role of self-esteem. Methods: A total of 2,413 children from middle schools in China completed standardized anonymous questionnaires that assessed child type, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, discrimination experiences, and self-esteem. Data analysis employed χ² test, Pearson correlation test, and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: Left-behind children had a significantly higher lifetime rates of suicidal ideation than orphans and other children (χ² = 9.35, p
Source: Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Source Type: research