The study of suicidal behavior in the schools

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Suicidal behavior is a significant concern among adolescents and young adults.
• Prevalence rates of suicidal ideation and attempts vary across different educational levels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize existing research on suicidal behavior in student populations.
• To identify common correlates and methodological challenges in studying student suicide.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of studies on suicidal behavior in school, junior high, high school, and college students.
• Analysis of reported prevalence rates for suicidal thoughts, threats, and attempts.
• Identification of commonly reported risk factors and methodological limitations.

Main Results:

• Suicidal behavior prevalence increases with age, from 12% in elementary students to 65% in high school students.
• Actual suicide attempt rates were 3% (elementary), 11% (high school), and 15-18% (college).
• Common correlates include depressive symptoms, social and family problems, life stress, and poor problem-solving skills; academic issues were less significant.

Conclusions:

• Most suicide attempts are low-lethality and may not be captured by clinical studies.
• Methodological issues such as low response rates, small sample sizes, and varied definitions of suicidal behavior limit current understanding.
• Further research is needed to differentiate between types of attempts and address chronic risk behaviors.