Family Dynamics, Hopelessness and Psychiatric Disturbance in Parasuicidal Adolescents

Matched groups of hospitalized parasuicidal South African adolescents, non-psychiatric medically hospitalized adolescents & a control group were compared on measures of family disturbance, hopelessness & psychopathology. Significantly high levels of all 3 of these measures were found in the parasuicidal group. Results suggest that prevention & treatment of adolescent parasuicide should focus on both individual & family dynamics. (43 refs.)