Developmental Differences in Risk Factors for Suicide Attempts Between Ninth and Eleventh Graders

This study utilized a school-based survey of ninth & eleventh graders to identify differences in risk factors for suicide attempts throughout adolescence. Suicide attempts were associated with cigarette smoking & alcohol use, family violence, & depression for ninth graders & with illicit drug use, school violence, & sexual abuse for eleventh graders, while having friends was protective for both groups. The differences detected are consistent with developmental changes of adolescence & represent important information for identification of at-risk youth. (40 refs)