Parental History, Family Communication and Interaction Patterns in Adolescent Suicide

Studied matched groups of suicidal & nonsuicidal adolescents referred to a county mental health centre. Obtained data from questionnaires administered orally in private interviews with both the parents & the adolescents & from clinic records. Significantly more suicidals had: histories of family disorganization, exposure to suicide in family members or acquaintances, feelings of lack of control over the environment, & reported a loss of love object & felt a lack of communication with parents.