BACKGROUND: The factors contributing to adolescents' views of self can be complex and idiosyncratic. Self-esteem can hinge upon a narrow or broad set of factors, depending on how the adolescent conceptualizes the self. The present study examines how narrow and broad views of self may be differentially related to measures of depression severity and suicide risk among adolescents. METHODS: In total, 90 adolescent psychiatric inpatients were evaluated while hospitalized during a major depressive episode. All patients completed the Children's Depression Inventory, the Hopelessness Scale for Children, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Self-Esteem Worksheet-an idiographic measure that allows each person to rate the importance and success related to enter their personal values and priorities. RESULTS: Compared to depressed adolescent inpatients, depressed and suicidal teens reported significantly higher levels of depression and hopelessness, along with significantly lower levels of self-esteem on both measures of self-esteem. Further, lower scores on the Self-Esteem Worksheet were associated with more severe depression, elevated hopelessness, and elevated suicidal ideation. CONCLUSIONS: The Self-Esteem Worksheet provides insights into the mind of vulnerable teens that may help to guide treatment and prevention efforts.