Present research on adolescent suicide prevention is based on the possibility that there is a continuum of self-destructive behaviors which develops throughout life. Through personal interviews and written questionnaires, this case study examines family perceptions of the suicidal child's behavior at different ages. Subjects were randomly chosen from 51 participants in a larger study who indicated a willingness to participate in an in-depth investigation. In this case study, four of the seven children had parents who were separated and/or divorced. The preliminary findings in social areas indicated that two of the adolescents were reported to have had many friends as they were growing up, while the others were described as being loners. Perfectionism was another trait seen throughout the lives of the suicidal adolescents. Several children also demonstrated the trait of standing up for others regardless of the consequences. The characteristics of these adolescents were examined in order to expand the knowledge about the relationship of early experiences to later coping skills. The information will be translated into possible methods that adults can use as they interact with children that will encourage the development of coping strategies effective as the frustrations, stress and losses build up during adolescence. Contains 15 references. (BF)