Gender Differences in Suicide Attempts From Adolescence to Young Adulthood

This study examined associations of age, gender, & psychosocial factors during adolescence with risk of suicide attempt between ages 19-23 years. Initial assessments were conducted with 1,709 adolescents in western Oregon between 1987-1989. One year later, 1,507 participants returned for a second assessment. A subset of 974 participants had a third diagnostic assessment after turning 24. The suicide attempt hazard rate for female adolescents was significantly higher than for male adolescents. By age 19, the attempt hazard rate for female adolescents dropped to a level comparable with that of male adolescents. Adolescent suicidal behaviour predicted suicide attempt during young adulthood for female, but not male, participants. Adolescent psychosocial risk factors for suicide attempt during young adulthood were identified separately for girls & boys. Screening & prevention implications are discussed. (31 refs.)