The Relative Influence of Different Domains of Social Connectedness on Self-Directed Violence in Adolescence

Few studies have analyzed the comparative strength of different domains of connectedness to determine where limited resources to lower the risk of self-directed violence among adolescents might best be focused. This study addressed this gap by using data from the Student Health & Safety Survey, administered to 4,131 7th-12th graders. Logistic regressions suggested that family connectedness was a stronger predictor than connectedness to peers, school, or adults at school for non-suicidal self-harm, suicide ideation, suicide plans, & non-fatal suicidal behaviour. In some analyses, peer connectedness was unexpectedly a risk factor. Results have implications for suicide prevention, especially in the context of the current trend toward school-based programs. (21 refs.) JA