Understanding Adolescent Suicide: Correlates in a Developmental Perspective.

摘要: Adolescent suicide! It is a shocking suicidal behavior every day (Matter & topic that continues to occupy national Matter, 1984). Even at these levels, headlines. No matter how often the some suspect numbers be actu reported or discussed, it always ally higher (Hart Keidel, 1979; Mat arouses dismay, disbelief, and confuter 1984; Celotta, Jacobs, sion, because defies comprehension Keys, 1986). Many "accidental" deaths, why adolescents choose end such as those caused by drug over their lives, when happens, doses, automobile accidents, firearm creates ripple effect on other poisonings, even teenagers. homicides, are thought suicides The statistics are, indeed, difficult Hawton, come terms with. Currently, deIn addition, researchers (Marks pending source, suicide be& Haller, 1977) have suggested lieved either first, second, adolescent underreported third leading cause of death families physicians cov in United States ering up true an Houter, 1981; 1986; effort avoid stigma placed Flanagan, 1985). Figures show who corn since 1960 rate among 15mitted suicide. 19-year-olds has increased 142%: Explanations accounting for adoles 143% White male teenagers; 112% cent suicide, however, been diffi non-White 138% cult ascertain. Because myriad female 47% interrelating, sociopsychological fac teenagers tors associated with adolescent's de (Hawton, In 1982, 5,025 people cision his her life, impos 15to 24-year-old age group chose take own lives (Celotta, , T oi/ aam Walter R. Allberg working postdoctoral J3.CO S, eys, ). intpmshrb in. bcvrhnlnox Ar.aA.pmM nf Furthermore, estimates indicate internship psychology Academy Behavioral Medicine Health Psychology, El approximately 50—100 youths attempt Paso, Texas. Lily Chu assistant professor approxi?n Department Counseling Educa mately 30—40 children 5 14 tional Psychology New Mexico State Univer admitted psychiatric hospitals sity, Las Cruces.