Negative life events and adolescent suicidal behavior: a critical analysis from the stress process perspective

In the present review we examine empirical evidence concerning relationships between negative life events and adolescent suicidal behavior. Separate critical analyses were made for suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and completed suicide, suggesting common and differential aspects. Although there is evidence supporting the hypothesis that life events may comprise a risk factor for adolescent suicidal behavior, their contribution tends to be moderate or weak. A problem with past research is that it has not adequately incorporated mediating and moderating variables into pathways that link psychosocial stressors and suicidal outcomes. A stress process model is presented as a possible alternative to better understanding the relationships between stress and suicide, and to provide a conceptual and heuristic framework for future research.