Suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and adolescents

Abstract

There has been increasing interest in the identification of factors that promote resilience to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in high-risk youth. The present review summarizes and critiques the current literature on protective factors that promote resilience to suicidal thoughts and behaviors in those children and adolescents who are at high risk for these outcomes. In contrast to earlier work on this topic, which primarily focused on internal, psychological protective factors, the current review articulates an ecological model of resilience in youth that spans multiple domains, including the individual, parents, family, friends, peers, school, community, and culture. This model encompasses individual assets such as problem-solving ability and emotion regulation as well as ecological resources such as parent-child relationship quality, family functioning, peer acceptance, supportive school climate, and engagement in meaningful activities and interests. The present review suggests that future research on resilience to suicidality in youth may benefit from taking a multi-dimensional approach that is grounded in current theories on suicidal thoughts and behavior. The results also suggest that suicide prevention and intervention programs for youth may benefit from a domain-spanning approach that helps teens to enhance their connection to friends, family, and community while teaching them vital internal coping skills.