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Updated: Jan 3, 2026

A Neuroscientific Approach to the Examination of Concussions in Student-Athletes
Published on: December 8, 2014
Self-reported history of concussions is associated with risk factors for suicide completion among high school
Dale S Mantey1, Onyinye Omega-Njemnobi1, Cristina S Barroso2
1University of Texas School of Public Health, 1616 Guadalupe, Suite 6.300, Austin, Texas 78701, USA.
Background:
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents. While research has found concussions to be a risk factor for suicide in adults, this relationship is not well studied in nationally representative samples of youth. This study examines the relationship between self-reported history of sports-related concussion and five risk factors for suicide completion.
Methods:
Data were obtained from the 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey (n=13,353). Multivariate logistic regression models assessed the relationship between self-reported, sports-related concussion and five risk factors for suicide completion. Analyses controlled for sex, race/ethnicity, grade, bullying victimization, and sexual orientation. Subsample analyses were conducted stratified by sex. Interaction models examined biological sex as a possible effect modifier.
Results:
Overall, 15.0% of high school students reported a sports-related concussion in the past 12-months. Self-reported, sports-related concussion was significantly associated with greater odds of feeling sad/hopeless (Adj OR: 1.20; 95% CI:1.02-1.42), suicidal ideations (Adj OR: 1.25; 95% CI:1.02-1.55), suicide attempt (Adj OR: 1.60; 95% CI:1.31-1.96), and suicide attempt treated by a doctor/nurse (Adj OR: 2.35; 95% CI:1.68-3.29), adjusting for covariates. Stratified analyses demonstrated differences by sex, however, no direct evidence of effect modification was observed in interaction models.
Limitations:
Data are cross-sectional, prohibiting causal inferences. Measures were assessed via self-report. No pre-concussion measures of mental health.
Conclusion:
Self-reported sports-related concussion was associated with risk factors for suicide completion. No direct evidence of effect modification was observed but stratified analyses suggest biological sex may impact the observed relationship.
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