Adolescent Suicide: Music Preference as an Indicator of Vulnerability

Students from 2 randomly chosen high schools completed self-report questionnaires on preferred music types & messages in the music. Information was also gathered on suicide ideation, deliberate self-harm, depression & delinquency. Significant associations appear to exist between a preference for rock/metal & suicidal thoughts, acts of deliberate self-harm, depression, delinquency, drug taking & family dysfunction. This was all particularly true for girls. (34 refs.)