Can social support buffer the association between depression and suicidal ideation in adolescent boys and girls?

The purpose of the current study is to investigate social support (from parents, classmates, teachers, and close friends) as a protective factor in the association between depression and suicidal ideation. Data on students’ levels of social support, depression, and suicidal ideation were collected from 399 9th-grade students using the Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale (CASSS), the Children's Depression Inventory, 2nd Edition Short Version (CDI 2), and the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire - Junior Version (SIQ-JR). Results of hierarchical linear regressions indicated parent, classmate, and close friend social support buffered the association between depression and suicidal ideation. Close friend social support as a buffer appeared to be more robust for girls. Implications concerning these findings are discussed.