Assessing African American adolescents' risk for suicide attempts: Attachment theory

Author(s): Benoit, M., ODonnell, R. M., Getson, P. R., Silber, T., Walsh, T.

Journal/Book: Adolescence. 2000; 35: 3089C Clairemont Dr Suite 383, San Diego, CA 92117, USA. Libra Publishers Inc. 121-134.

Abstract: The threat of separation from a parent theoretically increases the risk of adolescent suicide attempts. The present study evaluated this and other hypothesized risk factors in a sample of adolescent suicide attempters and nonsuicidal controls, using the Psychiatric Consultation Checklist (Lyon, 1987). Stepwise logistic regression was used to predict group membership. It was found that threat of separation from a parental figure, insomnia, neglect, substance abuse, suicidal ideation, and failing grades were the strongest predictors of suicide attempt. Ten predictor variables correctly identified 97% of suicide attempters and 86% of nonattempters. Unexpected findings included high levels of truancy, threatening others, and separation from a parent before the age of 12 among nonattempters.

Note: Article Lyon ME, Childrens Natl Med Ctr, Dept Gen Pediat & Young Adult Med, Dept Psychiat, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington,DC 20010 USA

Keyword(s): CHILDREN; BEHAVIOR; IDEATION; PSYCHOPATHOLOGY; DEPRESSION; INPATIENTS; CHILDHOOD; COMMUNITY; STRESS; YOUNG

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