NCJ Number
182699
Journal
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Volume: 39 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2000 Pages: 603-610
Date Published
May 2000
Length
8 pages
Annotation
Data from 9,679 adolescents in Norway who were ages 12-20 years in grades 7-12 and were followed from 1992 through 1994 formed the basis of an analysis of the risk factors and protective factors for previous and future suicide attempts among adolescents.
Abstract
The study achieved a response rate of 97 percent at the initial testing and 80 percent at the follow-up. Factors measured included psychiatric symptoms (depressed mood, eating problems, conduct problems), drug use, self-worth, pubertal timing, social network, and social integration. Among the youths, 8.2 percent had attempted suicide; 2.7 percent reported an attempt during the 2-year study period. Logistic regression analysis revealed that previous suicide attempt, female gender, young age, perceived early pubertal development, suicidal ideation, alcohol intoxication, not living with both parents, and poor self-worth predicted future suicide attempts. Findings underscored the importance of the clinician’s asking about previous suicidal behaviors. Findings also indicated that early pubertal timing (particularly among females), loss of self-worth, and alcohol intoxication may serve as risk factors for future suicide attempts. Tables, figures, and 42 references (Author abstract modified