Factors associated with adolescent suicidal attempts in Greece

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Adolescent Psychology
• Cultural Sociology

Background:

• Cultural factors influence the perceived importance of various elements contributing to suicidal attempts.
• Adolescent suicidal behavior is a complex issue influenced by individual, familial, and societal factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the specific factors contributing to suicidal attempts among Greek adolescents.
• To identify the role of cultural characteristics and family dynamics in adolescent self-harm.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study comparing adolescents who attempted suicide with a control group.
• Data collection involved assessing family disruption, parental restriction of freedom, and psychiatric disorders.

Main Results:

• Family disruption was more prevalent in adolescents who attempted suicide.
• Parental restriction of personal freedom was identified as the primary factor, reported by 55% of attempters versus 17% of controls.
• Psychiatric disorders were significantly more common in attempters (57%) than controls (3%), with higher rates in those with multiple attempts.

Conclusions:

• Suppression of personal freedom by parents is a major risk factor for suicidal attempts in Greek adolescent girls.
• Family conflict arising from restricted freedom is a key pathway to suicidal behavior.
• The high prevalence of psychiatric disorders underscores the need for mental health support in this population.