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Social connectedness and adolescent suicide risk.
Alejandra Arango1, David Brent2, Jacqueline Grupp-Phelan3
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, and Allied Disciplines
|November 5, 2023
Summary
Overall and school connectedness may reduce suicide attempts in adolescents. However, connectedness was more protective for youth not in high-risk groups, suggesting targeted interventions are needed.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Mental Health Research
- Suicidology
Background:
- Interpersonal connectedness is crucial for understanding adolescent suicide risk.
- Limited research exists on the protective effects of connectedness in adolescents.
- This study investigates connectedness as a protective factor against suicide attempts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if overall and specific domains of connectedness reduce suicide attempt likelihood.
- To examine if connectedness buffers suicide risk in high-risk adolescent subgroups.
- To inform preventive strategies for reducing youth suicide.
Main Methods:
- 2,897 adolescents (ages 12-17) were recruited from emergency departments.
- Suicide risk and protective factors were assessed at baseline and 6-month follow-up.
- Multivariable logistic regressions adjusted for known suicide risk factors.
Main Results:
- Higher overall and school connectedness correlated with fewer suicide attempts over 6 months.
- Connectedness did not buffer suicide attempts in high-risk subgroups.
- Protective effects were diminished for youth with recent suicidal ideation, suicide attempt history, or peer victimization.
Conclusions:
- Overall and school connectedness are prospectively linked to lower suicide attempt rates.
- Connectedness offers more protection to adolescents not in specific high-risk categories.
- Findings support interventions to enhance youth connectedness and mitigate suicide risk.
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