Faculty Articles
Family characteristics and behavior problems of suicidal and non-suicidal children and adolescents
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Child Psychiatry and Human Development
ISSN
0009-398X
Publication Date
9-1998
Abstract
The present study examined familial and individual variables in youngsters at high risk for suicide and non-suicidal youngsters. One hundred inpatient children and adolescents completed a battery of questionnaires including, FACES II, Family Strengths, and Problem Behavior Scales, to assess family dysfunction and individual behavior problems. The results indicated that suicidal youngsters have lower pride in their families and perceived them as less adaptable than non-suicidal youngsters as indicated by scores on the Family Strengths and FACES II, respectively. Scores on the Problem Behavior Scales indicated that suicidal youngsters also exhibited self-inflicted behaviors, withdrawal from others, little interest in activities, poor concentration, and difficulties with sleeping. In addition, youths at risk for suicide were more likely to be diagnosed with a mood disorder, including major depressive disorder and dysthymia, as well as substance abuse and phobias. These findings suggest that suicidal youngsters' negative perceptions of their families and their maladaptive behaviors should be given special attention in designing appropriate interventions. In this way, treatment would likely be effective by providing appropriate coping skills and preventing future suicidal attempts in high risk youngsters.
DOI
10.1023/A:1025040100819
Volume
29
Issue
2
First Page
157
Last Page
168
NSUWorks Citation
Kashani, J. H.,
Suarez-Morales, L.,
Luchene, L.,
Reid, J. C.
(1998). Family characteristics and behavior problems of suicidal and non-suicidal children and adolescents. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 29(2), 157-168.
Available at: https://nsuworks.nova.edu/cps_facarticles/253
