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Suicide Attempts and Self-Mutilative Behavior in a Juvenile Correctional Facility

NCJ Number
201114
Journal
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Volume: 42 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2003 Pages: 762-769
Author(s)
Joseph V. Penn M.D.; Christianne L. Esposito Ph.D.; Leah E. Schaeffer B.A.; Gregory K. Fritz M.D.; Anthony Spirito Ph.D.
Date Published
July 2003
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This article examined the lifetime history of suicide behavior among incarcerated youth and measured rates of suicidal and self-mutilative behaviors during incarceration.
Abstract
Another goal of the research was to identify the risk factors associated with suicidal and self-mutilative behaviors. The authors hypothesized that suicidal incarcerated youths would exhibit more severe symptoms, greater behavior dysfunction, and more substance use than incarcerated youths with no suicidal or self-mutilative behaviors. Researchers examined the files of 289 adolescents who were admitted to a juvenile correctional facility. Seventy-eight of the 289 incarcerated youths had been referred for psychiatric assessment. Suicidal behavior was measured using the Spectrum of Suicidal Behavior Scale and self-mutilation was assessed with the Functional Assessment of Self-Mutilation. Results revealed that 12.4 percent of the 289 incarcerated youths had attempted suicide. Of the 78 youths who had been referred to psychiatric assessment, 30 percent exhibited suicidal behavior and 30 percent reported self-mutilative behavior while incarcerated. The authors noted that the clinically referred suicidal youths exhibited more depression, anxiety, and anger than nonsuicidal youths. Similarly, youths who had engaged in self-mutilative behavior were more anxious, angry, and more likely to use substances than youths who did not self-mutilate. The results confirmed the hypothesis; incarcerated youths who are suicidal and self-mutilative report more severe symptoms, more substance use, and greater dysfunctional behaviors than their nonsuicidal counterparts. Tables, references

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