Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 3, 2025

Using the Threat Probability Task to Assess Anxiety and Fear During Uncertain and Certain Threat
Published on: September 12, 2014
Fearlessness about death predicts adolescent suicide attempt: A preliminary analysis
Mikael S Ferm1, Laura A Frazee1, Betsy D Kennard1,2
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Objective:
Several theories of suicide suggest that people will only attempt suicide if they have both the desire to die and the capability for suicide. Fearlessness about death is a key component of capability for suicide. There is little information in the literature about the prospective relationship between fearlessness about death and suicide attempt in adolescents.
Method:
We obtained baseline fearlessness about death from adolescents (N = 122; ages 12-18; 80% girls; 82% Caucasian) who received intensive outpatient treatment for active suicidal ideation and/or a recent attempt. We tested if fearlessness about death at treatment entry predicted an attempt (n = 14) between entry and six-month follow-up after discharge from the program.
Results:
Fearlessness about death significantly predicted the presence of an attempt between treatment entry and six-month follow-up after controlling for common covariates (Quade F = 2.15, p < .02).
Conclusions:
In a preliminary analysis of a group of suicidal adolescents, fearlessness about death was a significant independent predictor of attempt between treatment entry and six months post-discharge, even when controlling for other commonly cited risk factors.
Related Concept Videos
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adolescence
Actuarial Approach
Consider the example of a high-risk surgical procedure with significant early-stage mortality. A two-year clinical study is conducted,...
Assumptions of Survival Analysis
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Cancer Survival Analysis

