| In November 1986, the Centers for Disease Control issued a report stating that suicide rates among adolescents had dramatically increased since 1950, making this the fastest rising age group for suicide completion. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents, next to car accidents and homicide. Literature has suggested that such factors as depression, lack of family support, personality traits, and maltreatment/abuse are related to increased suicidality among youth. Review of the literature has yielded mixed findings about delinquency as a predictor for suicidal behavior among youth. By utilizing results from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2007, this study sought to understand the prevalence of suicide among adolescents as well as the relationship between delinquency and suicide for this population. This study utilized surveys completed by adolescents between the ages of 14 and 17 in order to identify specific delinquent behaviors (weapon carrying, physical fighting, and illicit substance use). Suicidality was measured by endorsement of items addressing consideration of suicide, planning suicide, attempting suicide, and requiring medical attention followed by suicide attempt. Chi Square analyses revealed a significant relationship between delinquent behaviors and suicidality; this relationship was stronger for females than males. This study also revealed that Caucasian youth, regardless of their delinquency status, were at a greater risk of considering suicide, planning suicide, attempting suicide, and being medically treated for a suicide attempt. Further research would aid in identifying which factors place delinquent youth at greater risk of engaging in suicidal behaviors than non-delinquent youth. This study seeks to help mental health professionals identify and target specific behaviors that may be associated with suicidality among high risk youth in order to provide appropriate services and place support systems in place for these youth. |
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