Adolescents’ Suicidal Thinking and Reluctance to Consult General Medical Practitioners

This study examined the association between suicide ideation & intentions to seek help from a general practitioner for suicidal thoughts, emotional problems, & physical health problems, using a sample of 590 Australian high school students. Higher levels of suicide ideation & general psychological distress were related to lower intentions to seek help for suicidal & physical problems. Results suggest that even at subclinical levels, increases in suicide ideation or psychological distress may lead to help avoidance. School health promotion programs should consider including information to explicitly address the help-negation process. (72 refs.) JA