Confirming Gender Differences in Suicide-Related Behaviors Among Adolescents

This study compared 1993 & 1995 self-reported suicidal behaviour in relation to tobacco use, alcohol use, drug use, school misconduct, academic difficulties, home environment, sexual activity, & violence among 7th- to 12th-grade adolescents in a medium-sized Midwest school district. Independent factors accounted for more variance in male suicidal behaviour than in female suicidal behaviour. As the level of suicidality increased, the frequency of violent/destructive behaviours increased among both genders. Gender differences were evident as more aggressive/destructive risk behaviours increased the probability of male suicidal tendencies.