Perceived academic performance as an indicator of risk of attempted suicide in young adolescents.
This study investigated perceived academic performance and self-reported suicidal behavior in adolescents (n = 2,596), mean age 13 years, from 27 South Australian high schools. Groups perceiving their academic performance as failing, below average, average and above average were significantly different on measures of self-esteem, locus of control, depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts, plans, threats, deliberate self-injury, and suicide attempts. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that failing academic performance (compared to above average) is associated with a five-fold increased likelihood of a suicide attempt, controlling for self-esteem, locus of control and depressive symptoms. Teachers should note that a student presenting with low self-esteem, depressed mood and perceptions of failure may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and need referral for clinical assessment.
Richardson
Angela S
AS
Child and Adolescent Psychiastry, the University of Queensland, Mental Health Centre, K floor, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia.
Bergen
Helen A
HA
Martin
Graham
G
Roeger
Leigh
L
Allison
Stephen
S
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003863:Depression; D004521:Educational Measurement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012307:Risk Factors; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012649:Self Concept; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior; D013021:South Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires