Where Do They Turn? Social Support Systems of Suicidal High School Adolescents

Abstract

Adolescents reporting suicidal behavior were found to be significantly different from those who were not nonsuicidal in their responses to variables related to parents' marital status, school performance and attendance, someone to talk to, and church attendance. Adolescents overwhelmingly identified their parents' demonstrations of affection as a very important way to "make a difference" to decrease suicidal behaviors. Health professionals need to note that approximately 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 4 boys reporting self-hurt behaviors may attempt suicide.