Although suicidal behavior among adolescents is recognized as a major public health problem, there has been little longitudinal research tracing its developmental consequences. The current study prospectively examined the impact of suicidal ideation in mid-adolescence (age 15) on later young adult psychosocial functioning (age 26) in a cohort of 356 youth in a predominately White, working class community. Current suicidal ideation was assessed by self-reports at age 15 (1987). At age 26 (1998), psychosocial functioning in several domains was evaluated from self-, parent- and interviewer reports. At age 15, 83 adolescents (23%) acknowledged thoughts about killing themselves. These adolescent ideators, compared to their non-ideating peers (n=273), demonstrated significant deficits 11 years later. First, there was strong agreement among participants, parents, and interviewers that their overall functioning at age 26 was significantly poorer. Second, adolescent ideators' subsequent adult psychological well-being was substantially compromised; they reported lower self-esteem and poorer sense of self-mastery. Third, ideators experienced significant occupational difficulties, including an increased risk for being fired from a job, greater dissatisfaction with career progress, and difficulty financially supporting themselves. Fourth, ideators reported more interpersonal problems, coupled with a greater need for social support. Fifth, ideators were 3 times more likely to have active DSM-IV mood and anxiety disorders. Finally, over one-fourth (27.7%) of adolescent ideators acknowledged actually attempting suicide by age 26. The extensive deficits in young adulthood and elevated risk for suicide attempts associated with adolescent suicidal ideation highlight the crucial need for intervention efforts designed to forestall these serious sequelae.
Learning Objectives: 1. Recognize the substantial prevalence of suicidal behavior in a community population of adolescents. 2. Understand the serious impact of adolescent suicidal ideation on subsequent young adult functioning. 3. Apply research findings to intervention efforts for youth with suicidal behavior
Keywords: Suicide, Adult and Child Mental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.