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

Citation

Gunn, John F., III; Goldstein, Sara E.; & Gager, Constance T. (2018). A longitudinal examination of social connectedness and suicidal thoughts and behaviors among adolescents. Child and Adolescent Mental Health. vol. 23 (4) pp. 341-350

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.

URL

https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12281

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Author(s)

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

Year Published

2018

Volume Number

23

Issue Number

4

Pages

341-350

Edition

June 20, 2018

DOI

10.1111/camh.12281

Reference ID

8347