The Relationship between Loneliness, Adjustment and Suicidal Ideation: The Mediating Role of Perceived Social Support and Perceived Stress in Late Adolescents

Abstract

This study explores the complex relationships among loneliness, adjustment difficulties, and suicidal ideation in late adolescents, with perceived stress and perceived social support examined as mediating variables. A total of 60 adolescents (30 males and 30 females), aged 17 to 21 years, participated by completing standardized digital questionnaires assessing all key constructs. Descriptive statistics revealed moderate to high levels of loneliness, adjustment issues, and suicidal ideation. Pearson correlation analysis showed that both loneliness and adjustment difficulties were positively correlated with suicidal ideation and perceived stress, while negatively associated with perceived social support. Mediation analysis using Hayes’ PROCESS macro confirmed that perceived stress significantly mediated the positive relationship between the predictor variables and suicidal ideation. In contrast, perceived social support served as a significant negative mediator. These findings support the interpersonal theory of suicide and the buffering hypothesis, highlighting the importance of enhancing emotional regulation and strengthening support systems in adolescent populations. The study emphasizes the need for early identification and targeted intervention to mitigate suicide risk in young individuals.