Each year about 30 young South Australians die from suicide. Schools have a responsibility to help address the mental health concerns of students to ensure the development of mature and productive citizens for the future. The program outlined in this booklet is designed to help reduce the suicidal behaviors in young people. The report summarizes…

This collection of resources is a response to the unprecedented crises for school children, staff, and communities in 1997-1998. It is based on and is an expansion of the November 1998 issue of "Communique," a book of handouts, and other National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) publications. This packet contains the applied…

Three studies tested the proposition that membership in a fixed-status class would be unrelated to life satisfaction. In two studies questionnaire responses of handicapped persons were compared with those of normals. In the third study the observed moods of 40 mentally retarded children were compared with those of 40 normals. Results seemed to…

There were statistically significant differences between answers of 76 Anglo and 76 Mexican American youth on 35 of 100 opinion questionnaire items. Items centered on religion, psychopathology, aggression-impulsivity, acceptability of suicide, the "cry for help" dimension, and emotional impact. (Author/CM)

Describes a seven-step process that uses young adult literature to help teenagers understand and deal with their troubles. Offers brief annotations of five young adult titles in each of nine areas: alienation and identity; divorce; dropouts, delinquency, and gangs; poverty; teenage pregnancy; abused children; alcohol and drugs; homosexuality; and…

Suggests explanations for derailment of the self-continuity warranting process. Maintains that although Chandler's studies used important concepts without sufficient evidence for construct validity, such use may be justified by the need to address the high Native youth suicide rate. Concludes that Chandler et al. have begun to validate a measure…

Compares suicide rates among American Indian youth with those for other racial groups and discusses suicide risk factors for the general youth population and for American Indian youth. Describes school-based programs in terms of suicide prevention, intervention, and "postvention" strategies, with emphasis on adaptation to specific cultures.…

Analysis of responses of 10,251 high school students surveyed in the 1997 National School-Based Youth Risk Survey indicated that American Indian males more frequently carried weapons, attempted suicide, and used drugs than did White or Black youths. American Indian females more frequently attempted suicide and used cocaine than did White or Black…

Analysis of responses of 16,262 high school students surveyed in the 1997 National School-Based Youth Risk Survey indicated that Hispanic males and Black females engaged more frequently in risky behaviors than did their same-sex peers in other racial groups. Patterns of involvement in risky behavior differed across racial/ethnic groups. (Author/SV)

Reviews the warning signs of adolescent suicidal behavior and the interview methods that are appropriate for counselors to use in diagnosing suicidal tendencies in adolescents. Reviews questions counselors might ask to explore suicidal potentiality. (TE)

Project documented characteristics of teenage school dropouts and then compared the prevalence of risk-taking behavior of dropouts with those attending school. Of the sample (n=548), 15% had dropped out. Those still attending school engaged in suicide behavior more frequently than dropouts whereas the latter abused substances more. (RJM)

Research on self-concept, attributions, anxiety, depression, and suicide among adolescents with learning disability is examined for the purpose of detecting consistency of emotional and developmental indicators. Analysis indicates that these students appear to be at increased risk for severe depression and suicide. (Author/DB)

Analyzed self-reported history of parasuicide with respect to use of intoxicants in national sample of 12,000 Norweigan adolescents. Proportion of parasuicides was 8.3%, being higher among girls and those living without both parents; and rate increased with age, use of intoxicants, depression, and loneliness. Found positive associations between…

Provides procedural guidelines, developed for the Edina (Minnesota) public school system, for dealing with crisis intervention in grades pre-K through 12. Focusing primarily on suicide, the guidelines address three levels of at-risk students/staff. Recommended actions following the death of any student or faculty member are included. (GLR)

Found high rate of suicide attempts and ideation among 229 seventh- through ninth-grade American Indian students on reserves in Alberta. Prevalence of suicidality was very similar to rates reported for Navajo youth. Controlling for age, risk factors for suicide attempts were heavy alcohol use, no father in home, sleeping problems, and low…