Individual and social stress, social capital, and depressive symptoms as predictors of adolescent suicide in South Korea: A mediated moderation model

Abstract

This study examined the interactive effects of strain induced by individual and social stress and social capital on suicide, highlighting depressive symptoms as mediator in these relationships. This study used data from 5000 adolescents aged 14–18 years. Strain due to individual stress was found to have a direct effect on suicide, but strain due to social stress did not have a direct effect on suicide. The interactive effect of strain and social capital significantly predicted depressive symptoms and suicide. In the relationship between strain and suicide, the interactive effect of strain and social capital was mediated by depressive symptoms.