Characteristics of Transition-Age Youth Engaging in Suicidal Behavior

Area of Science:

• Child Welfare Research
• Adolescent Mental Health
• Suicidology

Background:

• Foster care involvement is linked to elevated suicide rates in children.
• Transition-age youth (TAY) aging out of the foster care system are a particularly vulnerable population.
• Understanding risk factors for suicidal behavior in this group is critical for effective intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the descriptive characteristics of TAY who engage in suicidal behavior.
• To identify and understand risk factors associated with suicidal ideation and attempts in TAY.
• To inform strategies for identifying, understanding, and supporting at-risk TAY.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the California Youth Transitions to Adulthood Study (n=727).
• Examination of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt rates at ages 17, 19, 21, and 23.
• Comparison of rates based on sociodemographic characteristics, maltreatment history, and behavioral health disorders.

Main Results:

• At age 17, 42% of participants reported suicidal ideation and 24% reported suicide attempts.
• Sexual minority youth exhibited significantly higher rates of suicidal ideation and behavior.
• Maltreatment experiences, major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, PTSD, and alcohol/substance abuse disorders were associated with increased risk of suicidal behavior.

Conclusions:

• Routine screening for suicidal behavior is essential for child welfare service providers.
• At-risk TAY may benefit from enhanced assessment, mental health care, and targeted interventions.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms linking specific characteristics to suicidal behavior in TAY.