Impact of body image and self-esteem on suicidal ideation among adolescents with sickle cell disorder: the mediating role of hopelessness

Abstract

Mental health of adolescents with chronic medical conditions has been a major focus of researchers and clinical psychologists over the years. The purpose of this study was to examine the body image and self-esteem as determinants of suicidal ideation with consideration to mediating role of hopelessness among adolescents with sickle cell disorder in Cape Coast, Ghana. The study was a quantitative study that employed the descriptive cross-sectional design. The census method was used to engage all 80 respondents in the study. The respondents were required to answer a questionnaire that comprised the BESAA, RSES, HPC and SBQ-R. Data was analysed using means and standard deviations while further statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA, regression and Hayes PROCESS. The results revealed significant association between body image and self-esteem of adolescents with SCD. Also, hopelessness mediated the association between body image and suicidal ideation. However, the association between self-esteem, hopelessness and suicidal ideation was not significant. Based on the results from the analysis, the researcher observed that the variables observed to be associated with suicidal ideation among adolescents with SCD were body image and hopelessness. It was concluded that adolescents with SCD are significantly affected by negative perception about themselves and that higher levels of hopelessness affects their mental health. It is thus recommended that health officers and school authorities pay attention to adolescents’ psychological status in relation to their holistic healthcare. The study findings will lay the base for health experts to offer interventions that will meet specific needs of adolescents struggling with chronic conditions.