Attitudes and Beliefs of Adolescents and Parents Regarding Adolescent Suicide

This qualitative study used focus groups to elicit the thoughts of adolescents & parents of adolescents regarding adolescent suicide. 66 adolescents & 30 parents participated in 13 focus groups in Chicago, Illinois & the Kansas City, Kansas area. Both adolescents & parents recognized adolescent suicide as a major problem, but not for their own communities. All were able to identify many risk factors for suicide but parents often viewed alcohol & drug use as normal adolescent behaviour. All groups suggested securing or removing guns if an adolescent was known to be suicidal. All participants requested more information about adolescent suicide; pediatricians are well placed to provide such information in their offices & communities. (15 refs.)

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