Loss and Disconnection in Adolescent Suicide: a Cross-Cultural and Female Developmental Perspective

This presentation identifies the issue of loss & disconnection as a risk factor & precipitant of suicidal behaviour in adolescence in the context of female development & cross-cultural immigration & acculturation. The process of acculturation creates a dilemma for the adolescent for which there is no apparent solution. In some adolescents, perhaps those with a diathesis resulting from earlier losses or disconnections, this problem can feel intolerable, & can precipitate suicidal behaviour.