Self-Esteem and Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: A Meta-Analytic Review

Abstract

The feeling of being of little worth can trigger suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). In this meta-analysis, we examined the association between self-esteem and STBs based on 114 studies and tested potential moderators of this association. We found moderate to strong negative associations between self-esteem and STBs (ideation: r = −.435, d = −0.805; behavior: r = −.258, d = −0.828; combination of thoughts and behaviors: r = −.405, d = −1.610). In this meta-analysis, we identified evidence gaps, including the need for more studies on the association between suicidal behavior and self-esteem, more research on the second half of life, and more longitudinal studies. Overall, this meta-analysis provides a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between self-esteem and STBs and contributes to the existing literature on suicide prevention.