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Pathways to suicidal behaviors in childhood
Leilani Greening1, Laura Stoppelbein, Paula Fite
1University of Mississippi Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Jackson 39216-4505, USA. LGreening@psychiatry.umsmed.edu
Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior
|March 22, 2008
Summary
Internalizing and externalizing behaviors predict suicidal actions in children. Depressive symptoms link to suicidal ideation, while impulsivity affects it through aggression and depression.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Internalizing and externalizing behaviors are common in children.
- Suicidal behaviors in children are a significant public health concern.
- Understanding predictors of suicidal behaviors is crucial for early intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the predictive relationships between internalizing and externalizing behavior problems and suicidal behaviors in children.
- To test a path model investigating the direct and indirect effects of specific behaviors on suicidal ideation and attempts.
Main Methods:
- Path analysis was used to model relationships.
- Parental ratings of suicidal ideation and behavior problems were collected.
- Blind raters assessed the severity of suicidal behaviors in a sample of inpatient boys (N=87).
Main Results:
- Suicidal ideation directly predicted suicide attempts.
- Depressive symptoms showed a direct effect on suicidal ideation.
- Impulsivity indirectly influenced suicidal ideation via aggressive and depressive symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Internalizing (depressive symptoms) and externalizing (impulsivity, aggression) behaviors are significant predictors of suicidal behaviors in children.
- The findings highlight the complex interplay of behavioral factors contributing to suicidal ideation and attempts.
- Clinical interventions should address these specific behavioral pathways in at-risk children.
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