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Reasons for adolescent suicide attempts: associations with psychological functioning
J Boergers1, A Spirito, D Donaldson
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, School of Medicine, Providence, RI, USA.
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
|December 16, 1998
Summary
Adolescent suicide attempts are often driven by a desire to die, escape, or find relief. Specific psychological factors like depression and perfectionism are linked to these motivations, guiding clinical treatment.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Adolescent Health
Background:
- Suicide attempts in adolescents are a significant public health concern.
- Understanding the underlying reasons for these attempts is crucial for effective intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify common reasons for suicide attempts among adolescents.
- To explore the connection between these reasons and adolescent psychological functioning.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 120 adolescent suicide attempters at a pediatric hospital.
- Self-reported data on reasons for attempts and psychological status were collected.
Main Results:
- The primary motives reported were to die, escape, or obtain relief.
- Adolescents seeking death reported higher levels of hopelessness, depression, anger, and perfectionism.
- Depression and anger predicted a wish to die; depression and perfectionism predicted death as the primary reason.
Conclusions:
- Assessing the reasons behind adolescent suicide attempts is vital for tailoring follow-up care.
- This assessment can inform clinical decision-making for treatment recommendations.