Found that, among 619 college students, 13.5% of males and 4.2% of females reported themselves to have drug abuse problems. Found six variables related to life satisfaction and three variables related to feelings of self competency were correlated with reported drug abuse. (Author/RC)

Examines suicide statistics among Blacks, particularly males. Holds that high suicide rates for Black males are related to low self-image, resulting from various socioeconomic barriers. Recommends community prevention programs and community support systems as suicide deterrents. (DA)

Investigated latency-age children (N=11) who attempted or threatened suicide. Discovered common characteristics including: (1) suicidal parents; (2) a major family crisis; (3) excessive parental demands; (4) lack of satisfying relationships; (5) paradoxical death attitudes; and (6) positive strivings to stay alive. Developed a model for predicting…

In the United States each year the equivalent of an average-size medical school graduating class commits suicide, with the highest incidence occurring in the decade following the completion of training. Of these suicides, 20 percent to 30 percent are associated with drug abuse and 40 percent with alcoholism. Various problem areas are considered.…

Individuals have been theorized to develop anaclitic and introjective depression to the extent that they may be characterized as dependent and self-critical, respectively. Studied whether suicidal behavior could also be reliably broken down into two distinctive types. Sixty-four undergraduate students who had attempted suicide were interviewed,…

This study of 117 severely abused children found that 35% exhibited evidence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Results indicated that PTSD was correlated with attention deficit disorders, anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, suicidal ideation, and mood disorders. (CR)

Contrasts motives for adolescent suicide around the turn of the century with motivations for suicide in the 1980s. Concludes that suicide motivations changed from fear of punishment to those involving identity crises. Uses case studies to discuss relationship of causative factors and to illustrate appropriate pedagogical action. (KO)

In a survey of 68 students (grades 7-9) students identified level, causes, and means of dealing with stress. Findings suggest overall stress increases with grade level; students avoid drugs as a coping strategy; and they find ways to deal with stress that demonstrate maturity. (IAH)

Notes that people over age 60 have highest suicide rates and comprise one-fourth of all suicides. Presents case study illustrating risk assessment and intervention with elderly woman. Examines clinical issues related to recognition of suicidal elderly patients and presents practical approach to early detection, evaluation, and management of…

Examines a small rural public school's immediate and long-range postvention responses to a student suicide. Provides information from a psychological autopsy compiled in the months following the death. Discusses the implications of suicide postvention and the benefits of using a psychological autopsy approach as a postvention strategy. (RJM)

Critiques an article that compared genuine suicide notes with simulated notes. Elaborates on theoretical and methodological difficulties, noting a lack of hypotheses, operationalized constructs, and prediction testing. Examines the operational design used in the article and suggests that the study of suicide notes in such a fashion should cease.…

A recent survey found that 90 percent of high school seniors/respondents perceived the world as stressful and the majority of people as phony. These views may partly explain the high suicide, pregnancy, dropout, and drug usage rates among high school seniors. Teachers can help students overcome stress by modeling coping strategies and providing…

A longitudinal study of 211 male inpatients at an alcohol clinic and their children, and a random sample of 200 men and their children, found that men in both groups who used alcohol and drugs were equally likely to be involved in crimes with drugs, whereas children in both groups exhibited similar levels of social maladjustment and health…

Studied large national sample of U.S. adults, finding that almost one-half recalled having been corporally punished during adolescence. Data analysis revealed that children who experienced corporal punishment in adolescence had increased risk later in life of depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, alcohol abuse, physical abuse of children, and…

Sixty-five sexually abused children (ages 5-17) were administered the Children's Depression Inventory. Results indicated that older victims were more likely to describe themselves as being depressed and to report suicidal ideation, and those older victims with less compliant mothers were more likely to have scores above the 90th percentile.…