Characteristics and Circumstances of Preteen and Teen Suicide Decedents

Suicide among preteens remains understudied despite increases in suicide rates and medical encounters (e.g., emergency department visits) for suicidal ideation and attempts during the past decade. This study explores differences in individual characteristics and precipitating circumstances of suicide between preteens and teens to inform suicide prevention strategies.

Data from the National Violent Death Reporting System were analyzed to compare characteristics and circumstances of suicide decedents aged 8-12 years (preteens) and 13-17 years (teens) between 2012 and 2021. Age group comparisons were analyzed using logistic regression. In stratified analyses, individual characteristics and precipitating circumstances were compared within each sex stratum.

The sample included 7,622 youth suicide decedents (n = 660 [8.7%] preteen, n = 6,962 [91.3%] teen). Although most preteen and teen decedents were male (69.6%) and non-Hispanic White (66.3%), preteen decedents were more commonly female (odds ratio [OR] = 1.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19-1.67) and non-Hispanic Black (OR = 3.07, 95% CI = 2.48-3.80) or Hispanic (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.28-1.99) compared to teen decedents. Preteen decedents, compared with teen decedents, had an increased odds of using hanging, strangulation, or suffocation rather than firearms (OR = 2.15, 95% CI = 1.80-2.58), decreased odds of having a documented history of suicidal thoughts (OR = .77, 95% CI = .65-.92) or suicide attempts (OR = .32, 95% CI = .24-.43), and more likely to exhibit only psychosocial/behavioral stressors (p < .0001). Additional age and sex-stratified differences are discussed.

This study highlights differences in individual characteristics and precipitating circumstances among preteen and teen suicide decedents. Findings support the need for developmentally tailored prevention strategies to address the unique risk factors associated with preteen suicide.