Risk factors for early emergence of children's suicide ideation: Results from the CABLE study

The purpose of this study was to investigate risk factors related to early emergence of suicide ideation among school children over a five-year period. Data derived from the CABLE study (Child and Adolescent Behaviors in Long-term Evolution); a longitudinal study carried out from 2001 (when the study sample were in grade 4) to 2005 (when the study sample were in grade 8). The sample size for this study included the 1,532 school children who had been followed for five years and had completed the questions on suicide ideation each year. Data was analyzed using survival analysis including Kaplan-Meier survival curves, the log-rank test, and extended Cox proportional hazards models. Based on the extended Cox model, risk factors associated with the early emergence of suicide ideation were living in an urban area, having higher or more depressive emotions or social loneliness, having a more emotionally labile personality, heavy or worsening substance abuse, mother with a higher education level, having a lower or worsening level of family interaction, and having a greater likelihood of being punished by parents. It was found that the initiation of suicide ideation among children was related to multiple factors. Preventive strategies and support systems are important means of dealing with this issue. It is important that parents learn and use appropriate parenting styles and that school teachers are trained to recognize and assist children with social isolation, depressive emotions, or substance abuse. Providing children with a supportive environment is an essential part of promoting youth mental health.