Suicide
Adolescent suicidal behavior represents a significant public health problem. Suicide is currently the sixth leading cause of death among 5-14-year-olds and the third leading cause of death among 15-24-year-olds. Therefore, it is important to obtain knowledge about the development of adolescent suicidal behavior as well as how it is best assessed, prevented, and treated. This article begins with an overview of the epidemiology of suicidal behavior in the adolescent population as a whole as well as across gender, race, and ethnicity. Next, major theories of suicidal behavior are reviewed, including cognitive-behavioral, social-interpersonal, and psychological pain theories. A review of psychological, social, and cultural risk and protective factors associated with adolescent suicidal behavior follows the theoretical overview. Subsequently, current assessment approaches and commonly used assessment instruments for adolescent suicidal behavior are reviewed. This article concludes with a review of the state of the adolescent suicide intervention literature and recommendations for future research. © 2011 Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved..
