Continued self-destructive behaviors in adolescent suicide attemptors, Part II--a pilot study

This investigation examined the continued self-destructive behaviors of adolescent suicide attemptors treated at Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles from 1972 through 1978. A total of 235 questionnaires were mailed to subjects who were hospitalized as a result of an accident, illness, or suicide attempt. The questionnaire was designed to elicit data with respect to the occurrence, frequency of occurrence and medical consequences of various self-destructive behaviors. The results suggest that certain continued self-destructive behaviors may be manifested by adolescents who have attempted suicide. Implications of the findings of this pilot study are discussed with regard to developing a theoretical model of self-destructive behaviors in adolescent suicide attemptors and the clinical prediction of adolescent suicide.