A recent study reveals a strong connection between negative childhood experiences, such as abuse and neglect, and a higher risk of suicide among teenagers. The research highlights that girls are more vulnerable to suicide during treatment, and current methods for screening suicide risk in behavioral health services are often ineffective.
Adolescent suicide is a growing public health crisis in the United States. While much research has focused on suicide in the general teenage population, less is known about those adolescents who have experienced adverse childhood events. These events, including physical and emotional abuse, neglect, and exposure to domestic violence, can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
At-risk adolescents—those who have experienced these traumatic events—are often treated in clinics that are underfunded and short-staffed. These facilities face significant challenges in managing severe behavioral and mental health issues, which are even harder to address in under-resourced settings.
Karen L. Celedonia, a doctoral researcher at the University of Turku in Finland, conducted the study using both quantitative and qualitative research methods. She looked at factors influencing suicidality among at-risk adolescents receiving mental health services in the United States. The research also explored how a strong relationship between adolescents and therapists could help prevent suicide, as well as how social media suicide risk detection systems are being used.
The study found that at-risk adolescents were twice as likely to experience suicidal thoughts and three times more likely to attempt suicide compared to the general adolescent population. Sexual abuse emerged as a major predictor of suicidality.
On average, a suicidal event occurred about six months after an adolescent’s initial risk screening. However, many adolescents who screened negative for suicidality at intake still experienced suicidal events later. Interestingly, almost half of those who had a suicidal event had screened negative initially. This could be due to a lack of trust or a fully developed therapeutic relationship during the intake process.
Therapists identified five key qualities that contribute to a strong relationship with at-risk adolescents: a holistic approach, a solid working relationship, professionalism, warmth and support, and open communication. Among these, warmth and support were seen as the most critical in fostering trust and preventing suicidality.
The study also explored the use of social media platforms for detecting suicide risk. However, it raised concerns about privacy violations, such as breaches of the GDPR in Europe and HIPAA in the United States, and the stigma associated with mental health issues, particularly in lower-income countries.
Celedonia recommends implementing routine suicide risk screenings throughout the treatment process, regardless of the initial intake results. She also suggests that focusing on suicidality as a primary target in therapy may lead to better outcomes and reduce the risk of suicide.
The study’s findings stress the importance of preventing sexual abuse and improving mental health resources, particularly for female adolescents. By enhancing the therapeutic relationship and using targeted approaches, communities can better address suicidality among at-risk teens.
