Citation

Kline EA, Ortin-Peralta A, Polanco-Roman L, Miranda R. Child Psychiatry Hum. Dev. 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s10578-021-01129-2

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Theories suggest that adolescents exposed to suicide attempts and/or deaths are at higher risk of attempting suicide, themselves. However, research findings have been mixed, with most studies not accounting for psychiatric vulnerability. We examined past psychiatric diagnosis as a moderator of the association between lifetime exposure to suicide attempts and/or deaths and adolescents' suicide attempts. Adolescents (N = 518; 60% female; 45% White), ages 12-21, reported on prior suicide ideation and attempts, and mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders at baseline. Suicide attempts since baseline and exposure to suicidal behaviors were assessed 4-6 years later. Lifetime exposure to family suicide attempts and/or suicide deaths, but not to suicidal behaviors of peers/friends or others, was associated with a suicide attempt at follow-up among those with prior psychiatric disorders. Psychologically vulnerable adolescents may require additional support after exposure to suicidal behaviors of a family member to reduce their risk of attempting suicide.

Language: en

Keywords

Adolescents; Suicide; Exposure; Suicide attempt; Psychiatric disorders