The Need for Improved Operational Definition of Suicide Attempts: Illustrations From the Case of Street Youth

In this article, the results of an exploratory qualitative study of street youth suicidality are contrasted with the existing literature to highlight the problems associated with defining suicidal behaviors. It is argued through the use of the case example of street youth that accurate & detailed assessment of suicidal history, context, & intent is necessary to avoid substantial threats to the validity & clinical use of research finings. (18 refs)