Longitudinal associations between self‐compassion, depression, and suicidal ideation in adolescent boys and girls

Abstract This study aims to elucidate associations among self‐compassion, depression, and suicidal ideation, particularly with respect to gender differences. Using a multigroup cross‐lagged panel model, we conducted a longitudinal evaluation of 424 Chinese adolescents (55.85% boys; M age = 18.02, SD = 0.73 at baseline). Our findings indicated that suicidal ideation at T1 positively predicted depression 6 months later, while negatively predicted self‐compassion. However, self‐compassion negatively predicted depression 6 months later, specifically in boys, but not in girls. Furthermore, self‐compassion significantly mediated the relationship between suicidal ideation at T1 and depression at T2. This study helps to uncover the underlying relationships between self‐compassion, depression, and suicidal ideation, and also provide a detailed insight into the differential effects of self‐compassion on depression among boys and girls.