Adolescents' image of their suicide attempt.

OBJECTIVE

To inventory the reasons adolescents give for their perceptions of events, thoughts, and feelings in the last days and hours before and during the attempt.

METHOD

A semistructured interview also included the administration of an instrument that contained the formulation of reasons.

RESULTS

The most frequently mentioned reasons for attempting suicide concerned the cessation of (an unbearable) consciousness. The motivation most frequently named for "crossing the bridge" between thinking about and attempting suicide involved an escalation of frustration and tension.

CONCLUSIONS

Special emphasis should be given to family relationships, relationships with peers and friends, frustration tolerance, and the way in which adolescents handle their problems.