Psychologists (N=368) who specialize in children read one of six vignettes describing a suicidal youth and a therapist who used a no-suicide agreement (NSA), then rated the appropriateness and effectiveness of the intervention. Results indicated that the psychologists mildly to moderately favored written NSAs regardless of reading level of the…

Explores therapists' (N=63) emotional reactions to patient suicide. Results indicate that the most frequently reported reactions were increased caution in the treatment of patients and an increase in conferring with colleagues, partners, and supervisors. Female therapists more often reported shame, depression, and loss. (RJM)

Reports on several hypotheses regarding the overall suicide rate during 1979-1993 among Alaska resident 14-19 years of age. Results indicate that suicide rates varied up to sixfold by race, gender, and local census area of residence. Alaska Native males, in particular, had one of the higher documented suicide rates in the world. (RJM)

Street youth 12 to 19 years old (N=775) in four American cities were interviewed to examine the relationship between suicide attempts and antecedent home life variables. Forty-eight percent of the females and 27% of the males had attempted suicide. Sexual and physical abuse before leaving home were independent predictors of suicide attempts for…

Risk factors for suicide include psychiatric disorders, social factors, psychological factors, and biologic and genetic factors. Important knowledge about why people commit suicide has been obtained from 20 psychological autopsy studies of suicide victims carried out over the past 40 years. Based upon these studies, recommendations are offered for…

Examines attitudes toward life and death, alone and in combination with life events, to determine suicide risk for young adults. Used the Multi-Attitude Suicide Tendency Scale for Adolescents, Life and Death Attitudes Scale, Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire, Death Anxiety Scale, and Life Experiences Survey to measure responses of 140 young adults…

Schools and school personnel have moral and ethical responsibilities to take reasonable action to prevent suicides by students. Liability could be imposed if school personnel had knowledge of a student's suicidal intent and failed to take action based on that knowledge. (75 footnotes) (MLF)

Reports on survey about suicide among 15- to 24-year-olds (N=15,555) in 34 of the wealthiest nations. Finland led in total and firearm-related suicides. An association was found between divorce rates and youth suicide rates, firearm-related suicide, and suicide rates among young males. An association was found between firearm availability and…

Examines some of the reasons for the differences between depressed and non-depressed adolescent suicidal attempters in their response to a brief family intervention. Determined that efficacy of the family intervention in reducing suicidal ideation within the nondepressed sub-group was probably not mediated by changes in variables such as family…

A national sample of women (N=627) with histories of sexual assault in both childhood and adulthood reported significantly greater odds of lifetime suicide attempts. As predicted, younger age, stressful events, depression, and alcohol dependency were all associated with suicide ideation. Discusses role of sexual trauma and other psychological…

Adolescents (N=48) who attempted suicide were administered measures of hopelessness and depression. Those living in neighborhoods with weak social networks reported higher levels of hopelessness, even after controlling for socioeconomic backgrounds and depression. Findings suggest that the environmental context may play a role in the emotional…

A review found that only 15 Canadian youth suicide programs were evaluated over the last decade. Descriptions of the programs were incomplete and theoretical bases for programs were not presented. Only two programs led to a reduction in suicidal behavior. Suggests that future evaluative research needs to place greater emphasis on content and…

School psychologists were surveyed regarding the following aspects of crisis intervention: university preparation, continuing professional development, and current involvement with school crisis plans. Of those receiving university training, 58% believed they were minimally or not at all prepared to deal with school crises. Suicide, violence, and…

Discusses how for gay or lesbian youth, the issues of identity and acceptance that are ignored both in life and in literature are not only profound but also dangerous. Notes that books that include gay or lesbian characters usually elicit a strong negative reaction to their content by vocal conservative groups. (SG)

This article details the research methods and measurements used in conducting a population-based, case-control study of nearly lethal suicide attempts among persons aged 13-34 years. This study was designed to extend understanding of suicidal behavior and prevention activities beyond identification of mental illnesses. Overall strengths and…