Investigated adolescent suicidal ideation, focusing on measures of family conflict and adolescent self-derogation as predictors. Data from 473 adolescents support hypothesis that effects of family conflict are mediated by self-derogation, for both male and female adolescents. Independent effects of diverse forms of family conflict (marital,…

Questioned 263 Juvenile Court offenders about whether they wished to be dead, kill themselves, or kill others and about their existential experiences, thoughts, and feelings. Used stepwise multiple logistic regression to pinpoint experiences associated with high likelihood of verbalizing wish for destructive behavior. Found sexual abuse as risk…

The United States leads the developed world in youth violence, with the highest homicide and suicide rates among young people. Exposure starts early. To reduce violence in U.S. schools, we must control handguns, abolish television violence, isolate violent students, and change the ways that juvenile offenders are punished. (MLH)

The hypothesis that family rigidity has an indirect effect on adolescent suicidal ideation through its effect on adolescent problem-solving deficits was evaluated among college students and their parents. Structural equation models confirmed the hypothesis. Directions for treatment efforts are discussed. (Author/EMK)

Reports on data taken from the General Social Survey that found a link between "heavy metal" rock fanship and suicide acceptability. Finds that relationship becomes nonsignificant once level of religiosity is controlled. Heavy metal fans are low in religiosity, which contributes to greater suicide acceptability. (Author/JDM)

An ASBO member and chair of New York's School Emergency Response to Violent Events (SERVE) explains how this program tackles violence and teen suicide. SERVE teaches the basic principles of hostage situations, uses a confidential reporting system, and advocates safety audits and risk-reduction strategies. (MLH)

Elders newly relocated to a nursing home (N=256) were followed for five years using a Solomon Four research design. Life review was shown to be more effective than a friendly visit for preventing despair and promoting integrity immediately and at one-year follow-up. Additional measures are discussed. (Author/EMK)

Research is reviewed on stress, depression, and suicide among adolescents with learning disabilities from the risk resilience perspective. Adolescents with nonverbal learning disabilities and/or those who are less academically adept manifest higher rates of depression. Some evidence also exists to support an increased risk of suicide among this…

The rational suicide paradigm is contrasted with the traditional view of the mental health professions. Historical background on suicide in western civilization is supplied and the concept of rationality elucidated. Parallels between the questions of refusing life-prolonging therapy and rational suicide are discussed, as are reasons for suicide.…

Examined relationships between high school students' tobacco use and other substance use, intentional injury risk behaviors, and sexual risk behaviors. One-half of students used no tobacco, one-fourth used one tobacco product, and 19.5 percent used more than one tobacco product. Generally, students who used tobacco also engaged in other substance…

Explores causes of the high teenage suicide rate in New Zealand by looking at environmental-social factors. Examines the problems these youth face, such as depression and alcohol use, and discusses their risk-taking behaviors. Findings are linked to current theory on adolescent suicide. Prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies are…

Examines the perception of social support, acculturation, depression, and suicidal ideation among African American college students attending predominantly Black and predominantly White universities. Except in cases with nonsupportive families or friends, results from 206 students reveal no differences in depression or suicide ideation among…

Analyzes suicide rates from 1887 to 1993 in the Italian population (ages 15 to 24 years old, and over 65 years). Findings indicate an increase in suicide among the elderly population over the test period. Rates were three times higher for men than for women, with elderly men having the highest rate. (RJM)

The relationship between medical illness and suicide seems to be multi-faceted. While medical illness is not the sole determinant of suicide, certain illnesses, such as HIV/AIDS and brain cancers, do appear to elevate the risk of suicide. Possible effective prevention efforts include education of primary care providers, and improved medication…

Results of a survey of students in the 6th through 12th grades (n=220) indicate that 57% of the students reported symptoms of depressed mood, 33% had thought of suicide, and 6% had attempted suicide. Fifty percent of the middle school students and 40% of the high school students were unaware of services in their school. Among the students with…