Background: Major negative life events are associated with higher suicidality. In this association, two mediating paths were hypothesized: (a) via minor negative life events and (b) via depression.

Methods: Ninety-six adolescent primary care patients were recruited in clinics, a physician’s office, and school nurses’ offices.

Results: (1) Minor negative life events were associated with depressive symptoms and suicidality. (2) Depressive symptoms were associated with suicidality. (3) Depressive symptoms mediated the association of minor negative life events with suicidality.

Conclusions: Findings suggest that minor negative life events may be associated with suicidal ideation among adolescent primary care patients, and that depressive symptoms may mediate the association of minor negative life events with suicidality.