Associations between delinquency and suicidal behaviors in a nationally representative sample of adolescents.

Full Abstract

Suicide was the second leading cause of death for 14-17 years olds in 2002. Prior studies indicate that suicidal behaviors are especially common among juvenile delinquents, yet this association has not been examined in a national sample. The 2003 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System was used to examine associations between suicidal behaviors and delinquency in a nationally representative sample of 14-17 year olds. Results indicated that delinquent adolescents were more likely to have seriously considered suicide (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.44), made a suicide plan (AOR = 4.90), attempted suicide (AOR = 10.08), and required medical treatment after attempting suicide (AOR = 14.61) compared to their nondelinquent counterparts. Delinquency was significantly related to suicidal behaviors for boys and girls, but the magnitudes of effects were larger for girls. This finding suggests that delinquent youth, particularly delinquent girls, should be targeted in interventions to reduce suicidal behaviors.

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Author information

Author/s: Thompson, Martie P (MP); Kingree, J B (JB); Ho, Ching-Hua (CH);

Affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634-0745, USA. mpthomp(-atsign-)clemson.edu

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Suicide & life-threatening behavior (Suicide Life Threat Behav), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-Feb; vol 36 (issue 1) : pp 57-64

Dates: Created 2006/05/08; Completed 2006/06/09;

PMID: 16676626, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

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