The Role of Positive and Negative Social Exchanges Between Adolescents, Their Peers and Family as Predictors of Suicide Ideation

The role of positive & negative social exchanges between adolescents, their peers, & family as predictors of suicide ideation was investigated in a national random sample of 1591 adolescents from the US National Comorbidity Survey. Negative exchanges with family were associated with increased suicide ideation scores in younger (age 15-17) but not in older (18-19 years) adolescents. Positive support provided a significant buffering effect that was age-specific & independent of gender, income, or mood disorders. Providers, especially social workers, need to identify both positive & negative exchanges that adolescents experience with family & peers. (51 refs.)