Applying ideation-to-action theories to predict suicidal behavior among adolescents

Area of Science:

• Adolescent Psychology
• Public Health
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Limited understanding of factors driving escalation from suicidal thoughts to attempts in adolescents.
• The ideation-to-action framework guides research on suicide progression.
• Identifying distinct risk and protective factors is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine risk and protective factors for the transition from suicide ideation to attempts in adolescents.
• To apply the ideation-to-action framework to understand suicide attempt escalation.
• To inform clinical interventions for adolescent suicide prevention.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional analysis of the 2013 and 2015 Hawaii High School Youth Risk Behavior Surveys (N=8,113).
• Structural equation modeling used to analyze risk and protective factors.
• Key factors assessed included depression, victimization, disinhibition, academic performance, and adult support.

Main Results:

• 16.4% of adolescents reported suicide ideation; 9.8% had attempted suicide.
• Behavioral disinhibition significantly predicted escalation from ideation to attempts.
• Higher academic performance was linked to reduced suicide attempt risk.
• Depression and victimization were associated with initial suicide ideation.

Conclusions:

• Behavioral disinhibition is a critical target for interventions aimed at reducing suicide attempts in adolescents.
• Academic performance may serve as a protective factor against suicide attempts.
• Findings offer guidance for developing effective suicide prevention strategies for at-risk youth.