This article reviews the major life course factors & processes associated with the development of suicidal behaviors in young people. Key issues examined include a) the spectrum of suicidal behaviors in young people; b) changing risks of suicidal behavior during childhood, adolescence, & young adulthood; & c) key risk & protective factors. It is concluded that suicidal tendencies are frequently the culmination of adverse life course sequences that involve multiple risk factors. (118 refs)