Psychosocial risk factors for future adolescent suicide attempts.

TLDR

The study examined psychosocial risk factors for suicide attempts in a representative sample of 1,508 high‑school students aged 14–18, of whom 26 attempted suicide within a year. History of a prior attempt, current suicidal ideation and depression, a friend’s recent attempt, low self‑esteem, and being born to a teenage mother were the strongest predictors of future suicide attempts, and two brief screening tools (4‑item and 6‑variable) showed promise for research and community prevention.

Abstract

An array of psychosocial risk factors for making a suicide attempt were examined in a representative sample of 1,508 older (14- to 18-year-old) high school students, 26 of whom made a suicide attempt during the year following entry into the study. Strongest predictors of future suicide attempt were history of past attempt, current suicidal ideation and depression, recent attempt by a friend, low self-esteem, and having been born to a teenage mother. The results suggest that adolescents who are depressed and those who attempt suicide share many psychosocial risk factors. The efficacy of two screeners (one consisting of 4 items and the other of 6 variables) is reported. Potential usefulness for research and communitywide prevention is discussed.