Sixteen suicidal preschoolers age 2-5 years who were referred to a university child psychiatry outpatient clinic were compared with 16 behaviorally disordered preschoolers matched by age, sex, race, & parental & socioeconomic status. The suicidal group showed significantly more nonsuicidal self-directed aggression, loss of interest, morbid ideas, depression, impulsivity & hyperactivity, & running away behavior. Four subgroups of suicidal motivation are identified & discussed.