Strain, Negative Emotions, and Suicidal Behaviors Among Adolescents: Testing General Strain Theory

Using data from the 2008 Youth in Europe Survey, this study applies general strain theory of deviance to suicidal behaviors of Turkish adolescents. The effects of various socioenvironmental strains on suicidal ideation and suicidal attempt, including mediating effects of negative affective states, are investigated. Results indicate that Agnew’s theory provides a useful theoretical model for researchers of adolescent suicidality. Almost all of the strain measures were significantly associated with both suicidal ideation and suicidal attempt, and measures of anger and depression at least partially mediated the effects of the strains. Other results, implications, and limitations of the study are discussed