Year: 2000 Source: Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, v.30, no.4, (Winter 2000), p.304-312 SIEC No: 20010824

To examine trends in suicide ideation & behaviour over time, data from nationally representative samples of American students participating in the 1991, 1993, 1995, & 1997 Youth Risk Behavior Surveys was analyzed. From 1991 to 1997, the percentage of students seriously considering suicide & the percentage that made a suicide plan showed significant linear decreases. However, the percentge of students that made an injurious suicide attempt showed a significant linear increase. These trends make it unlikely relevant national health objectives for the year 2000 will be met. Additional efforts are needed to identify & disseminate strategies that effectively reduce suicidal thoughts & behaviours among adolescents. (29 refs.)