| Summary: | Adolescent well-being is increasingly being threatened by a wave of suicidal behaviour among this
population group. In South Africa concern has been raised as adolescent suicidal behaviour
(suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and completed suicides) has increased to almost 8% of the total
adolescent deaths. Various factors such as psychosocial factors (individual and environmental) as
well as social resources and stressors appear to have a significant influence on the level of suicidal
ideation. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of psychosocial factors and resources
on suicidal ideation in adolescents in the Northern Cape Province. A biographical questionnaire,
the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, the Life Stressors and Social Resources Inventory, Youth Form,
the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire as well as the Hope Scale were used to gather information from
the participants. A hierarchical regression analysis was performed to analyse the data obtained.
From the study it was concluded that self-esteem and suicidal ideation are negatively correlated.
The level of suicidal ideation appears to increase with age, while socio-economic status, the
influence of parents and peer romantic relationships all seem to contribute to the level of suicidal
ideation experienced. Further research in areas of coping, problem-solving and conflict
management are recommended in the understanding of suicide among adolescents in South Africa.
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