Adolescents are the most suicidal population. Gender comparisons within this group show males are four times more likely to kill themselves, while females are three to nine times as likely to attempt suicide. This study compared 1993 and 1995 self-reported suicidal behavior in relation to the risk factors of tobacco use, alcohol use, drug use, school misconduct, academic difficulties, home environment, sexual activity, and violence among adolescents. In the springs of 1993 and 1995, data were gathered from seventh through twelfth grade students in a medium-size Midwest school district. A comparison of the two results generated the following conclusions: (1) independent factors accounted for more variance in male suicidal behavior than in female suicidal behavior; (2) as the level of suicidality increased, the frequency of violent/destructive behaviors increased among both genders; and (3) gender differences were evident as more aggressive/destructive risk behaviors increased the probability of male suicidal tendency. The leading predictor for suicidal activity among 1993 and 1995 males and 1993 females was violence. In contrast, the leading predictor for suicidal tendency among these groups was school misconduct. Consequently, predictors for suicidal tendency, such as unfair rules, were much less associated with aggressive and destructive behaviors than were predictors of suicidal activity. Contains 27 references. (RJM)