Year: 2001 Source: Crisis, v.22, no.4, (2001), p.143 SIEC No: 20020188

This column examines the use of conscientiousness in childhood as a possible predictor of suicide in later life. Based on an analysis of a longitudinal study of 1528 American children, results indicated that participants rated as more conscientious children were 30% less likely to die in any given year later in life. Furthermore, people who died by suicide were rated as less conscientious then others with similar familial backgrounds. Coping skills, personality types & social support networks are provided as possible explanations for these findings. (2 refs) (SC)