Family Factors Predicting Categories of Suicide Risk

Abstract

We compared family risk and protective factors among potential high school dropouts with and without suicide-risk behaviors (SRB) and examined the extent to which these factors predict categories of SRB. Subjects were randomly selected from among potential dropouts in 14 high schools. Based upon suicide-risk status, 1,083 potential high school dropouts were defined as belonging to one of four groups; 573 non-suicide risk, 242 low suicide risk, 137 moderate suicide risk and 131 high suicide risk. Results showed significant group differences in all youth self-reported family risk and protective factors. Increased levels of suicide risk were associated with perceived conflict with parents, unmet family goals, and family depression; decreased levels of risk were associated with perceived parental involvement and family support for school. Perceived conflict with parents, family depression, family support satisfaction, and availability of family support for school were the strongest predictors of adolescent SRB. Our findings suggest that suicide vulnerable youth differ from their non-suicidal peers along the dimensions of family risk and protective factors.

Familism, Parent-Adolescent Conflict, Self-Esteem, Internalizing Behaviors and Suicide Attempts Among Adolescent Latinas

“…Similarly, using a sample of Hispanic adolescents who were either immigrants themselves, or who had at least one immigrant parent, Portes and Zady [36] also found a direct relationship between parent and child conflict and both lower selfesteem levels, and higher depression levels. Some research has also shown a direct relationship between parent-adolescent conflict and suicide attempts [37,38]. Conflict in the dyad as expressed through serious fights [39], parental criticism [40], and unresolved conflicts between the adolescents and their parents [41] have all been found to distinguish suicidal adolescents from their non-suicidal peers.…”

Predictors of suicidal behavior in a high school student population: a cross-sectional study

“…Serious fights with family mem� bers were significantly associated with increased risk of suicide attempts in late adolescence or early adulthood [43]. Yet it remains difficult to determine the contribu� tion of parent�adolescent conflict to adolescent suicide� risk behavior, given the association of these conflicts with adolescent psychological problems [44,45]. The prevalence of exposure to violence is relatively unex� plored in adolescents in European communities and re� ports on the association between exposure to commu� nity violence and suicidal behavior are rare [46].…”

A School-Based Suicide Risk Assessment Protocol

“…Common precursors to suicide-related behavior include rejection by a boyfriend or girlfriend or disruption in the romantic relationship (Hjelmeland & Groholt, 2005), conflict with parents (Randell, Wang, Herting, & Eggert, 2006), trouble with school or work (Hawton, O'Grady, Osborn, & Cole, 1982), increased arguments with friends or fighting with siblings (Eyeman, 1987), and loss of a family member (Freuchen, Kjelsberg, & Groholt, 2012). Precipitating conditions also consist of moving (Qin, Mortensen, & Pedersen, 2009), homelessness (Ganz & Sher, 2012), problems with the police and legal difficulties (Hoberman & Garfinkel, 1988), and bullying (Luukkonen, Rasanen, Hakko, & Riala, 2009).…”