Suicidal Children Grow up: ego Functions Associated With Suicide Attempts

133 children were assessed initially & at a 6-8-year follow-up for levels of reality testing, impulse control & frequency of usage of several ego defense mechanisms. Associations between suicidal ideation & suicide attempts at the initial assessment & at follow-up were analyzed with regard to ego functions. Specific ego functions, such as impulsivity, & ego defense mechanisms such as projection, regression, compensation & reaction formation were positively associated with suicide attempts.