Suicide Risks Among Children and Youth: Examining predictors of suicide ideation, the disparate suicide risks for certain ethnic groups, and how best to support families

Authors

Abstract

This special edition of JFS underscores research on suicide risks among children and youth in the United States. The rate of death by suicide has increased for youth aged 10-24 by 50% over the last decade (Curtain, 2020). Death by suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth aged 10-24 (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 2018; Herons, 2019). Supporting evidence indicates that most children and youth who have attempted suicide have a major mental illness, such as depression. Risk factors associated with suicide may include, but are not limited to, impulsivity, feelings of helplessness, rejection, prior exposure to violence, and bullying. Suicide, which is intentional self-harm, may be more impulsive in younger children than older children or adolescents.

Recommended Citation

(2020) "Suicide Risks Among Children and Youth: Examining predictors of suicide ideation, the disparate suicide risks for certain ethnic groups, and how best to support families," Journal of Family Strengths: Vol. 20: Iss. 2, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58464/2168-670X.1436
Available at: https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/jfs/vol20/iss2/4