Citation

King CA, Merchant CR. Arch. Suicide Res. 2008; 12(3): 181-196.

Affiliation

Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology, and the University of Michigan Depression Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811110802101203

PMID

18576200

PMCID

PMC2989173

Abstract

This article reviews the empirical literature concerning social and interpersonal variables as risk factors for adolescent suicidality (suicidal ideation, suicidal behavior, death by suicide). It also describes major social constructs in theories of suicide and the extent to which studies support their importance to adolescent suicidality. PsychINFO and PubMed searches were conducted for empirical studies focused on family and friend support, social isolation, peer victimization, physical/sexual abuse, or emotional neglect as these relate to adolescent suicidality. Empirical findings converge in documenting the importance of multiple social and interpersonal factors to adolescent suicidality. Research support for the social constructs in several major theories of suicide is summarized and research challenges are discussed.

Language: en