This study investigated the predominant variables theorized to be etiologically significant in the development of adolescent suicide ideation. Subjects were 433 midwestern high school students. Analysis revealed significant gender differences in level of suicide ideation over the past year. For males, levels of depression & family cohesiveness were found to have direct effects on the criterion. For females, levels of depression & trait anxiety were found to have direct effects on the criterian. The remaining significant variables in both models only indirectly affected the criterion. (26 refs.)