Suicidal behavior among homeless and runaway adolescents

Author(s): Hoyt, D. R., Whitbeck, L. B.

Journal/Book: J Youth Adolescence. 1998; 27: 233 Spring St, New York, NY 10013, USA. Plenum Publ Corp. 753-771.

Abstract: The present study considered risk factors associated with suicidal ideation and the likelihood of a suicide attempt in a sample of 297 homeless and runaway youth from four Midwestern states. It was hypothesized that sociodemographic characteristics, family factors, suicide exposure, street factors, externalizing behavior, and internalizing behavior would be related to suicidal ideation and to the likelihood of a suicide attempt. It was also hypothesized that suicidal ideation would mediate the relationship between the other predictor variables and the likelihood of a suicide attempt. Over half the sample (53.9%) endorsed some level of suicidal ideation, and over one quarter (2.6.3%) attempted suicide in the year prior to the interview Univariate and multivariate results indicated that sexual abuse by a family member, knowing a friend who attempted suicide, drug abuse, and internalization were highly related to suicidal ideation. In the absence of suicidal ideation, sexual abuse, sexual victimization while on their own, and internalization were highly related to the likelihood of a suicide attempt. Finally, the hypothesized mediating effect was found for both sexual abuse and internalization.

Note: Article Yoder KA, Iowa State Univ, Dept Sociol, Ctr Family Res Rural Mental Hlth, 2625 N Loop, Suite 500, Ames,IA 50010 USA

Keyword(s): HIGH-SCHOOL-STUDENTS; RISK-FACTORS; ECONOMIC HARDSHIP; DEPRESSION SCALE; BISEXUAL YOUTHS; MENTAL-HEALTH; LIFE-COURSE; FAMILY; IDEATION; CHILD

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