Investigation of Social, Emotional, and Cognitive Factors with Effect on Suicidal Behaviour in Adolescents with Depression.

INTRODUCTION

Our study aimed at investigating social, emotional, and cognitive factors playing a role in the development of suicidal ideation in depressed adolescents and its turning into a suicide attempt.

METHOD

Sixty-three adolescents (48 female, 15 male) aged 12 to 18 years were included in the study. In face-to-face interviews, suicide ideation, suicide plans, and previous suicide attempts were evaluated, sociodemographic data were collected. Additionally, the Children's Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I, II), Beck Hopelessness Scale, Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Strengths and the Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) parent forms were applied. SPSS version 13.0 for Windows was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

It has been established that in the last six months, 71.4% of cases (n=45) had suicidal ideation and 27% (n=17) attempted suicide. Factors associated with suicidal ideation in depressed adolescents were: high depression and anxiety levels, hopelessness and low self-esteem (p<0.05). Factors associated with suicide attempts were: separated family background, lower perceived family support and high rates of conduct difficulties (p<0.05). Patients with suicide attempt differed from patients with suicidal ideation but without suicide attempt in lower perceived family support only (p<0.05).

DISCUSSION

It is thought that keeping in mind the factors associated with the development of suicidal ideation and its turning into a suicide attempt, will help clinicians in preventing suicide attempts in depressed adolescents.