History of Sexual Abuse and Parental Alcohol Misuse: Risk, Outcomes and Protective Factors in Adolescents

Suicidal involvement & other risk behaviours among teenagers with a history of sexual abuse or parental alcohol misuse were examined. Teenagers with a history of both risk factors had the highest levels of suicide ideation & suicide attempts & were rated as being at high or very high risk of suicide. Among the 118 subjects classified as being resilient, protective factors included a high degree of religiosity & having family or friends with whom they could discuss their problems. (84 refs.)