Youth suicide in California: a comparative study of perceived causes and interventions.

Comparative survey data were obtained from five sample groups of respondents composed of young people 12 to 20 years of age, parents of young people within this age range, and respondents to psychological autopsies of decreased youth. The findings revealed that family dysfunction, intrapersonal psychopathology and distress, problems with interpersonal relationships, and drug and alcohol abuse were most frequently mentioned by the respondents as the major causes of youth suicide. In terms of solutions, the availability of social support from family and friends and access to formal intervention programs for troubled adolescents were seen as the most effective measures that could be taken to stop young people from intentionally hurting themselves.