The Modeling Effect of Depression and Behavioral Disorders and Problematic Smartphone Use on the Possibility of Suicide Attempt among Male Adolescents based on the Mediating Role of Coping Strategies

Purpose: Adolescent suicidal ideation is a challenging and concerning problem in mental health, often stemming from a variety of factors. This study aims to analyze how depression, behavioral disorders, and problematic smartphone use can impact the likelihood of suicide attempts in young males, taking into account the role of coping strategies as a mediator. Methodology: The present study is a combination of descriptive-correlational and cross-sectional research methods, with the utilization of a structural model and path analysis. The statistical population for this study consists of all male adolescents in the 10th to 12th grades in Tehran from July to September of 2023. A sample of 165 adolescents was selected using multi-stage random cluster sampling. The research instruments employed were the Coping Strategies Questionnaire (CSQ), Mobile Phone Dependence Questionnaire (MPDQ), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), and Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R). The data was analyzed using SPSS version 27 for descriptive statistics, and SmartPLS version 4 was used for path analysis and standard coefficients analysis. The P-value of the study was set at 0.05. Findings: The findings of the study showed that problematic smartphone use was positively and significantly associated with suicidal attempts through the Cognitive evaluation variable. Additionally, depression was also found to have a positive and significant impact on suicidal attempts through the Cognitive evaluation variable. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that depression, behavioral disorders, and problematic smartphone use can contribute to a higher risk of suicide attempts in young male adolescents, leading to a decrease in coping strategies. However, enhancing problem-solving skills and cognitive evaluation can help mitigate this risk. These results are valuable for professionals such as counselors, psychologists, parents, and educators who work closely with adolescents.