NCJ Number
212446
Journal
Youth & Society Volume: 37 Issue: 2 Dated: December 2005 Pages: 145-175
Date Published
December 2005
Length
31 pages
Annotation
This study examined gender differences in the influence of parent-youth closeness on youth’s suicide ideation as well as variations in this relationship by stages of adolescence and race or ethnicity.
Abstract
While previous research has shown that parent-youth closeness is inversely related to the occurrence and relapse of suicidal gestures among youth, relatively little is understood about whether the influence of parent-youth relations on youth’s suicidal ideation may be gender specific. The current study addresses this gap in the literature and further explores how both the stage of adolescent development and race may influence the relationship between parent-youth closeness and youth’s suicidal ideation. Data were drawn from Wave I and Wave II of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health involving a stratified sample of 2,966 respondents with an average age of 15 years. Variables under analysis included measures of closeness with mother and father, stage of adolescence, race, gender, and suicidal ideation. Results of logistic regression analyses indicated the closeness of fathers and daughters was an important factor in the daughter’s suicidal ideation, regardless of stage of adolescence and race. Father’s influence on boys declined with increasing age, with differences in race emerging for this relationship. A mother’s closeness with her daughters exerted little influence except over Asian-American girls while the mother’s closeness with her sons was influential during early and late adolescence. The theoretical and policy implications of the findings are discussed and include the importance of involving fathers in suicide intervention programs designed for girls. Future research should expand the conceptualization of parent-youth relationships. Tables, appendixes, references