title: Sex-specific predictors of suicidality among runaway youth.
abstract: Examined predictors of suicidality (ideation and attempts) among 348 adolescent runways (197 boys; 56% African American; M age = 16) using sex-specific models that tested the impact of the three domains of the Social Action Model: individual characteristics, interpersonal influences, and life events. Twenty-five percent of the girls and 14% of the boys had attempted suicide at least once. Male suicidality was mainly predicted by individual characteristics: identifying as gay, emotional distress, fewer conduct problems, and avoidant reasons for drug use. The interpersonal influence of suicidal friends also predicted suicidality. Variables from all three domains influenced girls: individual characteristics of lower age, lower self-esteem, and emotional distress; interpersonal influence of suicidal friends; and life events of having lived on the streets and assaults. Findings suggest some sex-specific interventions, but decreasing emotional distress and lessening the influence of suicidal friends may be useful for both boys and girls.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Yale University, USA.
authors.forename: Michelle Burden
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Leslie
authors.forename: Judith A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Stein
authors.forename: Mary Jane
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Rotheram-Borus
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D018453:Homeless Youth / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007206:Individuality; D008016:Life Change Events; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009519:New York City / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D012932:Social Facilitation; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014505:Urban Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data