To evaluate the assumption that suicidal behavior in adolescents is linked to diminished problem-solving capacity the WAIS Arithmetic Subtest & the Rokeach Map Reading Problems Test were administered to 13 suicidal, 13 psychiatric but nonsuicidal, & 13 normal adolescents. The suicidal group made significantly lower WAIS test scores & failed the ROKEACH test more often than the psychiatric & normal Ss. The assumption of diminished problem-solving capacity in suicidal adolescents proved correct.