Suicide Attempts and Self-Mutilative Behavior in a Juvenile Correctional Facility

The objective of this study was to determine the lifetime history of suicide attempts in incarcerated youths & psychological factors related to suicidal & self-mutilative behaviors during incarceration. In a sample of 289 adolescents admitted to a juvenile correctional facility, 12.4% reported a prior suicide attempt. Almost 60% of these were made using violent methods. Of the 78 subjects referred for psychiatric assessment, 30% reported suicidal ideation/behavior. Suicidal clinically referred adolescents reported more depression, anxiety, & anger than nonsuicidal youths. (33 refs)