Relationships of Self-esteem, Depression, and Suicidal Ideation in Youths: Focus on Auxiliary Policemen / 기본간호학회지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to identify the degree and relationship between self-esteem, depression, and suicidal ideation of youths in the auxiliary police force. METHOD: This descriptive study was conducted using a structured questionnaire from February 1 to March 25, 2007. The participants were 180 youths from 19 to 25 years old (average 20.82 years old) who were auxiliary policemen. The data were analyzed using the SPSS Win 12.0 program. RESULTS: Six of the auxiliary police (3.34%) reported critical scores in suicidal ideation. There was a significant difference in depression according to work area. Self-esteem showed a significant negative correlation with depression (r=-0.38, p<.001) and suicidal ideation (r=-0.39, p<.001). There was a positive correlation between depression and suicidal ideation(r=0.53, p<.001). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that auxiliary policemen have higher levels of depression and suicidal ideation. Therefore, further study is needed to develop and examine nursing interventions the enhance self-esteem, so that depression and suicidal ideation can be minimized.