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Battling the Blues: How Self-Esteem Impacts Suicide Risk in Young Adults with Depression

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research highlights the critical link between self-esteem, social functioning, and suicidal thoughts in university students battling major depressive disorder. Discover practical strategies to boost mental wellness and prevent tragic outcomes."

In today's fast-paced world, the pressures on young adults are immense, and mental health challenges are increasingly prevalent. Suicide remains a leading cause of death among young people in Japan, and understanding the factors that contribute to suicidal ideation is crucial for prevention. While major depressive episodes (MDEs) are known to increase the risk, research shows that other factors, like low self-esteem and poor social functioning, may play a significant role.

A groundbreaking study published in 'Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment' delves into the intricate relationship between suicide risk and self-esteem among Japanese university students diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD). The study emphasizes that suicidal behaviors are multifaceted, making prediction and prevention challenging but not impossible. By identifying key factors, mental health professionals and loved ones can offer more effective support.

This article explores the study's findings, providing insights into how self-esteem and social interactions impact the mental well-being of young adults with depression. We'll break down the research, offering practical advice and strategies to foster self-esteem, improve social connections, and ultimately reduce the risk of suicide.

Decoding the Link: Self-Esteem and Suicide Risk

A young adult on a cliff with storm clouds parting, symbolizing hope and resilience.

The original research involved 30 Japanese university students aged 18 to 26 who had been diagnosed with MDEs of MDD. Researchers divided the students into two groups: those with suicide risk and those without. A control group of 15 healthy students was also included for comparison. All participants underwent comprehensive self-assessment scales, including the Beck Depression Inventory 2nd edition (BDI-II), the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), the Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the SF-36v2™ to evaluate their quality of life. Neuropsychological tests were also conducted to assess cognitive functions.

The study revealed some critical differences between the groups. The students in the suicide risk group had significantly lower scores on the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), indicating lower self-esteem. While there was no significant difference in the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) scores between the groups, the individuals at risk showed notably diminished self-worth.

Lower Self-Esteem: A marked decrease in self-esteem was evident in the suicide risk group.
Social Functioning: The suicide risk group reported significantly lower social functioning scores on the SF-36v2.
Depression and Hopelessness: Surprisingly, levels of depression and hopelessness were similar in both groups, highlighting the distinct role of self-esteem.

These findings suggest that self-esteem and social functioning are critical factors in suicide risk among young adults with MDD. Even when controlling for overall depression and hopelessness, low self-esteem appears to be a potent risk factor. Declining social interactions and a sense of isolation further exacerbate the issue, creating a need for targeted interventions.

A Brighter Future: Building Self-Esteem and Connections

The findings from this study highlight the urgent need for interventions that focus on boosting self-esteem and enhancing social connections among young adults with depression. By addressing these critical factors, we can work towards preventing suicide and fostering a brighter, more hopeful future for those who struggle.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.2147/ndt.s59349, Alternate LINK

Title: The Association Between Suicide Risk And Self-Esteem In Japanese University Students With Major Depressive Episodes Of Major Depressive Disorder

Subject: Biological Psychiatry

Journal: Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment

Publisher: Informa UK Limited

Authors: Nobuyuki Mitsui, Satoshi Asakura, Yusuke Shimizu, Yutaka Fujii, Atsuhito Toyomaki, Yuki Kako, Teruaki Tanaka, Nobuki Kitagawa, Takeshi Inoue, Ichiro Kusumi

Published: 2014-05-01

Everything You Need To Know

How does low self-esteem specifically contribute to suicide risk in young adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)?

Low self-esteem, as measured by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), plays a critical role in increasing suicide risk among young adults with MDD. The study indicated that even when levels of depression and hopelessness, assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), are similar between individuals with and without suicide risk, diminished self-worth significantly elevates the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The findings highlight the importance of self-esteem as a distinct factor that needs to be addressed in suicide prevention strategies.

What role does social functioning play in the mental well-being of university students diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and how does it relate to suicide risk?

Social functioning, evaluated using the SF-36v2, is a crucial component of the mental well-being of university students with MDD. The study showed that individuals with suicide risk reported significantly lower social functioning scores, indicating a reduced ability to engage in social activities and maintain meaningful connections. Declining social interactions can lead to a sense of isolation and further exacerbate feelings of low self-esteem, thereby increasing the risk of suicide. Enhancing social connections and support networks is an important aspect of comprehensive mental health care.

What were the key assessment tools used in the study to evaluate the mental state of the participants, and what specific aspects of mental health did each tool measure?

The study employed several key assessment tools to comprehensively evaluate the mental state of the participants. The Beck Depression Inventory 2nd edition (BDI-II) was used to measure the severity of depression. The Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS) assessed the levels of hopelessness. Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) evaluated self-esteem. The SF-36v2™ was utilized to measure the quality of life, focusing on social functioning. Additionally, neuropsychological tests were conducted to assess cognitive functions. These tools provided a detailed understanding of the various factors contributing to suicide risk among young adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).

The research mentions that levels of depression and hopelessness were similar in both groups. How does the finding emphasize the importance of self-esteem and social functioning when considering suicide risk?

The similar levels of depression and hopelessness, as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), in both the suicide risk and non-suicide risk groups underscores the importance of self-esteem and social functioning as independent factors in assessing suicide risk. Despite comparable levels of depression and hopelessness, the group with suicide risk exhibited significantly lower self-esteem (as indicated by the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale or RSES) and diminished social functioning (assessed through the SF-36v2). This suggests that low self-esteem and poor social interaction can independently contribute to suicide risk, highlighting the need for targeted interventions that address these specific areas.

What practical strategies can be implemented to boost self-esteem and improve social connections among university students with depression, based on the study's findings?

Based on the study's findings, practical strategies to boost self-esteem and improve social connections among university students with depression include interventions that specifically target self-worth and social skills. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques focused on challenging negative self-perceptions and building self-compassion can enhance self-esteem. Encouraging participation in social activities, support groups, and peer mentoring programs can improve social functioning and reduce isolation. Mental health professionals can utilize the insights from the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES) and SF-36v2 to monitor progress and tailor interventions to individual needs, creating a more hopeful outlook for those struggling with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).