Determinants of Suicide among 12 to 17 Year Olds: A National Study

As the third leading cause of death among individuals ages 10 to 24, suicide has become a major health concern among youth.   The present study examined the impact sex, age, authoritarian parenting, depression, school experiences, alcohol consumption and legal problems have on suicidal thoughts, planning, and attempts among 12 to 17 year old youth (N = 17,399) across the United States. A secondary data analysis of data from the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) was completed.  Results indicated that 49.0% of youth reported having suicidal thoughts, 47.2% cited making a plan to commit suicide, and 31.5% reported attempting suicide. Logistic regression analyses revealed that sex, authoritarian parenting, school experiences, and recent alcohol use were significant predictors of thoughts of suicide.  Authoritarian parenting, school experiences, and recent alcohol use were significant predictors of developing a suicide plan. Sex, authoritarian parenting, legal involvement, and recent alcohol use were significant predictors of attempting suicide. These findings should be considered when developing programs to combat suicidal thoughts and behaviors.  Targeting parenting and school experiences may be important in suicide prevention initiatives.  In addition, routinely screening youth for depressioin may be warranted.  Suicide is a preventable behavior that warrants additional prevention and intervention strategies.  Findings from the present study may be beneficial to professional in the suicide prevention field.