NCJ Number
113853
Journal
Adolescence Volume: 23 Issue: 90 Dated: (Summer 1988) Pages: 469-475
Date Published
1988
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Adolescent suicide rates are increasing and are currently higher than ever recorded.
Abstract
Thus, it has become essential for health professionals, counselors, and parents to become familiar with characteristics of the high-risk teenager. This article examines personality traits and life circumstances which place an adolescent at higher risk for suicide. Among the variables examined are: depression, acute suicidal behavior, poor family relationships, alcohol and drug use, recent loss, failure in school, and other characteristics. As adolescents pass through difficult life stages successfully, teenage suicides will decrease. Professional helpers and parents must be able to recognize the signs which are discussed and take an active role in prevention and/or intervention. 16 references. (Author abstract)