Citation

Romero A, Bauman S, Ritter M, Anand P. J. School Violence 2017; 16(4): 445-458.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15388220.2016.1190933

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Guided by the interpersonal theory of suicide, this study examines the associations between gun carrying, bullying, and suicidal behaviors among high school students. Arizona Youth Risk Behavior Surveys were completed by 2,677 students in 2011; 9.0% reported suicide attempt in the past year, 5.5% carried a gun in the past 30 days, 8.5% were involved in school bullying, and 3.9% in cyberbullying. After accounting for depressive symptoms and self-harm, multiple linear regression results demonstrate that youth who carried a gun in the past 30 days were 3.98 times more likely to attempt suicide. Bullying was not associated with suicide attempt; however, youth report being 1.55 times more likely to make a suicide plan if they were bullied in school, 1.89 times more likely if cyberbullied, and.48 less likely if a cyberbully/victim.

RESULTS support the interpersonal theory of suicide; implications for school policies on gun carrying and bullying are discussed.

Language: en

Keywords

Adolescents; suicide; bullying; gun carrying