Stressful Life Events Associated With Adolescent Suicide Attempts

Adolescent inpatients who attempted suicide were compared to a control group of high school students on various types of stressors. Stressors were categorized according to type & source. Compared to the controls, the attempters reported elevated levels of major negative events & exit events. Both chronic strains & discrete stressors were related to an increased severity of depression & suicidal ideation. Results support the notion that increased stress is related to adolescent suicidal behavior.