Using the suicide risk screen to identify suicidal adolescents among potential high school dropouts

Author(s): Eggert, L. L.

Journal/Book: J Amer Acad Child Adolesc Psy. 1999; 38: 227 East Washington Sq, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 1506-1514.

Abstract: Objective: To examine the validity of the Suicide Risk Screen (SRS) for identifying suicide-risk youths among potential high school dropouts. Method: Five hundred eighty-one potential dropouts, aged 14 to 20 years, participated in a 3-stage case identification protocol. A potential dropout pool was created in 7 schools; students, randomly selected, completed a questionnaire containing the SRS and participated in an assessment interview. Validity measures included Reynolds' Suicide Ideation Questionnaire (SIQ-JR) and 2 clinician rating scales, the Direct Suicide Risk (DSR) and Clinical Risk Assessment (CRA). Results: Suicide-risk severity was significantly associated with categorization defined by the SRS criteria. SRS sensitivity ranged from 87% to 100%, specificity from 54% to 60%. Of 7 SRS elements, depression, suicidal ideation, and suicide threats predicted all validity measures. Suicide attempts predicted the DSR and CRA, but not Reynolds' SIQ-JR. Drug involvement, though relatively weaker, consistently predicted all validity measures. No additional psychosocial indicators improved the prediction of SIQ-JR or the DSR, Family support, likelihood of dropout, and risky behaviors, however, were additional predictors of the CRA ratings. Conclusions: The SRS is an effective and pragmatic method for identifying suicide-risk youths among potential dropouts in school settings.

Note: Article Thompson EA, Univ Washington, Sch Nursing, Reconnecting Youth Prevent Res Program, 1959 NE Pacific St, Room 502A, T-Wing, Hlth Sci Bldg, Seattle,WA 98195 USA

Keyword(s): suicide risk; adolescents; prevention; GROUP-HOME TREATMENT; PREDICTIVE-VALIDITY; PROBABILITY SCALE; IDEATION; BEHAVIORS; DIAGNOSIS; CHILDREN; SAMPLE; YOUTH

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