Perceived Family Functioning and Adolescent Suicidal Behavior

Adolescent participants (n=134) included psychiatric inpatients who attempted suicide, high school students reporting suicidal ideation, nonsuicidal psychiatric inpatients, & nonsuicidal high schoolers. The family system & parent-adolescent dyadic relationships were assessed. Both suicide groups reported more distress & family dysfunction. Perceived family functioning & mother-adolsecent relationships were significantly correlated with levels of depression, hopelessness & sel-esteem. (38 refs.)