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Sequelae of aggression in acutely suicidal adolescents
David C R Kerr1, Jason J Washburn, Alan Feingold
1Oregon Social Learning Center, Eugene, OR, USA.
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
|May 31, 2007
Summary
Aggression in suicidal adolescents did not directly predict suicide attempts. However, aggressive youth with internalizing symptoms showed increased suicide risk over time, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Criminology
Background:
- Aggression is a significant concern in adolescent mental health.
- Understanding the trajectory of aggression and its impact on suicide risk is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between aggression and suicide risk in acutely suicidal adolescents.
- To investigate how aggression influences the course of suicidal behavior and related problems over time.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 270 acutely suicidal adolescents (ages 12-17).
- Assessment at psychiatric hospitalization (T1), 6 months (T2), and 15+ months post-hospitalization (T3).
- Utilized self- and parent-reported aggression, internalizing symptoms, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, adverse events, and clinician-rated suicidal behavior.
Main Results:
- Aggression was not directly linked to suicide attempts concurrently or prospectively.
- Among aggressive youth, internalizing symptoms more strongly predicted later suicide attempts.
- Early aggression predicted future aggressive incidents and incarceration.
- Self-reported aggression and internalizing problems showed linked severity and decline rates.
- Parent-reported aggression was negatively associated with suicidal ideation.
Conclusions:
- Aggression has continuity and significant consequences for adolescents.
- Aggression may exacerbate suicide risk factors and potentiate suicide attempts.
- Further research into adolescent suicide subtypes is essential.
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