A longitudinal examination of social connectedness and suicidal thoughts and behaviors among adolescents

John F. Gunn, Sara E. Goldstein, Constance T. Gager

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: This study examines the relationship between three different types of social connectivity and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Methods: Using the Add Health dataset, three domains of social connection were explored: parental connection, school connection, and social integration. Logistic regression was used to examine whether changes over time in connectedness predicted suicidal thoughts and behavior. Results: Youth whose difference scores on social integration and parental connectedness increased were less likely to experience suicidal ideation. Increases in difference scores for perceived school connectedness protected youth who reported ideation from engaging in a suicide attempt. Conclusions: Perceptions of social connection are key factors in understanding adolescent suicidal thoughts and behaviors. It is important to consider social connection across different relationship contexts.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)341-350
Number of pages10
JournalChild and Adolescent Mental Health
Volume23
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2018

Keywords

  • Suicide
  • connectedness
  • suicidal behavior

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A longitudinal examination of social connectedness and suicidal thoughts and behaviors among adolescents'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this