Suicidal Ideation in Older Adolescents

Suicidal Ideation in Older Adolescents

Alvin Sherman Library 2053

As many as 10% of American adolescents have attempted suicide at some point in their life, and the percentages increase in the general population. In an effort to understand the increase in suicide attempts in late adolescence, suicidal ideation was measured in older adolescents between the ages 18 to 21-years-old. Fifty-six participants completed a questionnaire which included both a measure of depression and a negative emotion scale. Although few of the respondents reported that they had contemplated suicide or had thoughts of suicidal ideation due to either depression or negative emotions, it was found that 42.5% of the respondents experienced negative emotions while 70% expressed depressive thoughts. These findings substantiate research stating that adolescents’ suicidal attempts are rarely impulsive reactions to immediate distress or upsets, but are well-thought out and they have usually made appeals for help to no avail.