The mediating and moderating roles of the cognitive triad on adolescent suicidal ideation

Background: Adolescent suicide has been a major concern in Taiwan and continues to be an important research issue for mental health workers. The cognitive triad, which refers to an adolescent's views of the self, the world, and the future, was found previously to be related to both depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. However, researchers have paid less attention to exploring the roles of mediation and moderation which the cognitive triad plays in the relationship between depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Objectives: To test the mediating and moderating effects of the cognitive triad on the relationship between depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in a sample of school-aged adolescents. Methods: A cross-sectional and correlational design was used in this study. Instruments were administered anonymously to a sample of 1,245 school-aged adolescents recruited from nine middle and high schools of Taipei City. Instruments used included the Children's Depression Inventory, the Cognitive Triad Inventory for Children, and the Positive and Negative Suicide Ideation. Results: Regression analysis revealed that the cognitive triad significantly mediated and moderated the relationship between depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS:: These findings have implications for theoretical development and health policies related to suicide prevention programs in schools.