NCJ Number
178185
Journal
Adolescence Volume: 34 Issue: 133 Dated: Spring 1999 Pages: 81-89
Date Published
1999
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Stress-related factors that predict suicide ideation among adolescents were studied using data from 425 students ages 14-18 years in 5 randomly selected schools in Knoxville, Tenn.
Abstract
The survey gathered information from students in 9th-grade English classes, 10th-grade health classes, 11th-grade United States history classes, and 12th-grade economics classes. The instruments included the Adolescent Life Change Event Scale and the Beck, Schuyler, and Herman Suicidal Intent Scale. The most recently occurring stressors involved being tired, family conflict, parental expectations regarding school, and making new friends. The three events given the highest ranks regarding their potential degree of stress centered around the death of a brother or sister, close friend, or grandparent. These stressors ranked 50th, 41st, and 33rd in terms of recency. The three highest-ranked items related to suicide ideation in the last month were getting tired for no reason, feeling that no one cares or understands, and having crying spells or feeling like it. Multiple regression analysis revealed that recency and degree of stress were significant in the prediction of the degree and the recency of suicide ideation. These adolescents' responses were generally consistent with the developmental theory of Erikson and the sociological theory of Durkheim. Actual or perceived interpersonal conflict and loss increased stress and suicide ideation. However, many of the adolescents' sources of stress are amendable to preventive education and intervention. Findings indicated that adolescent stress and suicide ideation should be addressed through a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach that includes the health education curriculum, parent workshops, and support groups for adolescents. Tables and 23 references (Author abstract modified)