Perceived academic performance as an indicator of risk of attempted suicide in young adolescents.

Journal article

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.

Authors: Richardson, A; Bergen, H; Martin, G; Roeger, L; Allison, S

• Journal: Archives of suicide research : official journal of the International Academy for Suicide Research
• Volume: 9
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 163-176
• Publication date: 2005-01-01
• DOI: 10.1080/13811110590904016
• EISSN: 1543-6136
• ISSN: 1381-1118
• Language: English
• Keywords: Male; Depression; South Australia; Analysis of Variance; Students; Suicide; Risk-Taking; Adolescent; Educational Measurement; Adolescent Psychology; Questionnaires; Adolescent Behavior; Self-Injurious Behavior; Female; Internal-External Control; Self Concept; Logistic Models; Risk Factors; Humans