What bridges the gap between emotional intelligence and suicide risk in victims of bullying? A moderated mediation study.

Abstract

Background: Recent research has demonstrated that victims of bullying report serious problems, such as de- pression, which heighten the risk of suicide. Emotional intelligence (EI) has been increasingly recognized as a protective factor, but little is known about the mechanisms underlying the relation between EI and suicide risk in victims. This study aimed to test a theoretical model of how EI, depressive symptoms and gender interact to influence suicidal ideation and attempts in a sample of Spanish victims of bullying. Methods: The sample comprised 465 victims (273 girls) who completed self-report measures of perceived EI, depression and suicide risk. Results: Mediation and moderation analyses were performed using conditional process analysis. Findings showed that EI is a predictor of decreased suicide in victims. This relationship was partially mediated by de- pressive symptoms. Furthermore, this effect was moderated by gender, such that the mediation effect was stronger in girls compared to boys (moderated mediation). Limitations: The cross-sectional design and the use of self-report instruments. Future research should address the longitudinal relations of these findings. Conclusions: The promotion of emotional skills could be core to the development of suicide prevention programs in those high-risk adolescents who have suffered from bullying. Furthermore, gender should be taken into consideration, especially with regard to females reporting depressive symptoms related to having been bullied.