Precipitating events that preceded the admission of 50 children to an inpatient psychiatric program were studied & defined. These events could be grouped into 3 broad categories: emotionally related events, severe-conduct events & school-related events. Emotionally related events were the most numerous: suicide threats or attempts preceded the admission of 22% of the sample. Findings are discussed in terms of their developmental, treatment & preventive significance. (15 refs.)