Citation

Leslie MB, Stein JA, Rotheram-Borus MJ. J. Clin. Child Adolesc. Psychol. 2002; 31(1): 27-40.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, Yale University, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11845647

Abstract

Examined predictors of suicidality (ideation and attempts) among 348 adolescent runways (197 boys; 56% African American; M age = 16) using sex-specific models that tested the impact of the three domains of the Social Action Model: individual characteristics, interpersonal influences, and life events. Twenty-five percent of the girls and 14% of the boys had attempted suicide at least once. Male suicidality was mainly predicted by individual characteristics: identifying as gay, emotional distress, fewer conduct problems, and avoidant reasons for drug use. The interpersonal influence of suicidal friends also predicted suicidality. Variables from all three domains influenced girls: individual characteristics of lower age, lower self-esteem, and emotional distress; interpersonal influence of suicidal friends; and life events of having lived on the streets and assaults. Findings suggest some sex-specific interventions, but decreasing emotional distress and lessening the influence of suicidal friends may be useful for both boys and girls.

Language: en