Suicide attempts and suicidal ideation among adolescents have been increasing faster than those for adults. This study addresses three questions on adolescent suicidal behavior: (1) Why do some adolescents with psychiatric disorders have a history of suicidal behaviors and some do not?; (2) How do intrapsychic and interpersonal underpinnings of adolescent suicidal behavior differ from patterns of similar behavior among children and adults?; and (3) How do pathways of adolescent suicidal behavior differ for boys and for girls? It was hypothesized that differences in expression of pathology between males and females might underlie the relationship between gender, self-esteem, social support from family, and suicidal behavior. Psychopathology was classified according to whether a dysfunctional behavior originated from inner turmoil ("internalizing"), or from outer turmoil (focusing on others' role in creating pain--"externalizing"). After examining 171 boys' and girls' suicidal behaviors versus adolescents with no history of such behavior, statistical analysis revealed the influence of gender but no significant gender-by-group interaction. Findings indicate that a low level of perceived family support was the only significant predictor of history of suicide attempts for girls. Boys' suicide attempts were predicted by perceived family support and by higher levels of externalizing behavior and internalizing behavior, and by greater age, when compared to girls. Four tables present statistical analysis. Contains 12 references. (RJM)