A multisystems analysis of adolescent suicide attempters

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• Family dysfunction and socioeconomic status are recognized risk factors for suicidal behavior.
• Hopelessness is a significant psychological correlate of suicidal ideation and intent.
• Ecologically based models propose multi-level influences on complex behaviors like suicide attempts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test an ecologically based model of suicidal behavior in adolescent suicide attempters.
• To examine the mediating role of hopelessness in the relationship between family dysfunction, socioeconomic status, and suicidal outcomes.
• To identify the strongest predictors of suicidal intent and ideation in a clinical sample.

Main Methods:

• Study sample comprised adolescent males and females treated in a hospital emergency room after suicide attempts.
• Multiple regression analyses were used to test mediation criteria (Baron & Kenny, 1986).
• Variables assessed included family dysfunction, socioeconomic status, hopelessness, suicidal intent, and suicidal ideation.

Main Results:

• Little evidence was found to support the proposed mediation model.
• Hopelessness emerged as the most potent predictor of both suicidal intent and suicidal ideation.
• Family dysfunction and socioeconomic status did not significantly predict suicidal outcomes through hopelessness.

Conclusions:

• Hopelessness is a primary driver of suicidal intent and ideation among adolescent suicide attempters.
• The proposed multi-level mediation model was not supported in this sample.
• Clinical interventions should prioritize addressing hopelessness in adolescent suicide attempters.