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Adolescent Suicide

The purpose of this paper is to examine the current literature on adolescent suicide. To this end, several areas of the existing research will be covered. These include: (1) reasons why adolescents commit suicide; (2) assessment; (3) prevention and treatment; (4) the psychological autopsy; and (5) reactions of survivors.

According to a report issued by the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration (1989):

Almost 30,000 Americans take their own lives each year. . .This number is greater than the annual number of homicides in the United States. . .About 5,000 suicides occur among young people between the ages of 15 and 24. That means that each day, 13 Americans in this age group kill themselves. Many more young people attempt suicide and fail. (p. 7)

In California, suicide is the 8th leading cause of death. Among adolescents, these figures are much higher showing clear distinctions along racial lines. Black adolescent males have the highest suicide rate, followed (respectively) by white males, white females, and black females.

Giffin and Felsenthal (1983) have discussed reasons why young people commit suicide. The authors note that while teen suicide can appear to be an impulsive act, it rarely is. The most common reason for suicide, Giffin and Felsenthal state, is loss. This loss can be either external such as in the loss of a good friend or a parent, or it can be internal such as the loss of self-respect or self-esteem.

Concerning internals, Giffin and Felsenthal (1983) state that suicidal urges are almost always accompanied by feelings of failure and lack of self-confidence. The authors also note that complicating these difficulties is the fact that parents frequently misinterpret or fail to see the signs or the circumstances giving rise to suicidal thoughts. As Giffin and Felsenthal (1983) put it:

Adults frequently make light of the breakup of a young romance, the loss of a friend, failure to ...

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Adolescent Suicide. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 09:25, March 29, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1683622.html