Adoption as a risk factor for attempted suicide during adolescence

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Psychology
• Behavioral Science
• Genetics and Adoption Studies

Background:

• Adoption, impulsivity, and aggression are linked to adolescent suicidal behavior.
• Adopted adults show impulsivity as a potential mediator of suicidal behavior.
• The relationship between adoption and adolescent suicide attempts remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if suicide attempts are more frequent in adolescents living with adoptive versus biological parents.
• To investigate if impulsivity mediates the association between adoption and suicide attempts.
• To examine if family connectedness mitigates suicide attempt risk, irrespective of adoptive status.

Main Methods:

• Secondary analysis of Wave I National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health data.
• Sample included 6577 adolescents (3.3% adoptees) living with adoptive or biological mothers.
• Logistic regression analyzed factors associated with suicide attempts, including adoption, impulsivity, and family connectedness.

Main Results:

• Adoptees had higher rates of suicide attempts (7.6% vs 3.1%) and psychological counseling.
• Adoption remained a significant predictor of suicide attempts (AOR: 1.98) after controlling for impulsivity.
• High family connectedness was associated with a decreased risk of suicide attempts (AOR: 0.60).

Conclusions:

• Adolescents living with adoptive parents exhibit a higher risk for suicide attempts.
• Impulsivity does not appear to mediate the link between adoption and adolescent suicide attempts.
• Strengthening family connectedness is crucial for reducing suicide attempt risk in adolescents, regardless of their adoptive status.