Suicidal and Assaultive Behavior in Children: Classification, Measurement, and Interrelations

4 groups of suicidal &/or assaultive behaviors were identified within 102 6-12 yr olds undergoing psychiatric evaluation. 2 distinct types of suicidal children were delineated: suicidal-only types, composed of children with relatively stable ego functioning who became overtly depressed only under extreme environmental stress; & assaultive/suicidal types, who had distinct ego deficits, were prone to identify with parental acting-out, & were subject to a variety of symptomatic behaviours.