Objective: To investigate the risk and protective factors for previous and future suicide attempts among adolescents.
Method: A representative sample of high school students (N = 9,679) in grades 7 through 12 (aged 12-20 years) were followed from 1992 to 1994. Response rate was 97% at initial testing and 80% at follow-up. Measures of psychiatric symptoms (depressed mood, eating problems, conduct problems), substance use, self-worth, pubertal timing, social network, and social integration were included.
Results: A total of 8.2% had ever attempted suicide and 2.7% reported an attempt during the 2-year study period. Logistic regression analysis showed that future attempts were predicted by previous attempt, female gender, young age, perceived early pubertal development (stronger among girls), suicidal ideation, alcohol intoxication, not living with both parents, and poor self-worth.
Conclusions: The importance that the clinician ask about previous suicidal behaviors is underscored. Early pubertal timing (particularly among girls), loss of self-worth, and alcohol intoxication may serve as risk factors for future suicide attempts.