Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors among Youth on Probation with the Youth Assessment Screening Instrument

• In Event: Trauma and Mental Health among At-Risk Adolescents

Abstract

Research has established some relationships between risk factors and suicide-related outcomes for court-involved individuals, especially those who are detained or incarcerated. In contrast to the research on detained and incarcerated youth, little research has focused on the risk and protective factors of youth placed on probation and how these factors relate to their suicidal thoughts and behavior. Limited evidence regarding protective factors for adolescent suicide, and what exists has produced mixed results. This study investigated the role of explored suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) based on risk and protective factors of probation-involved youth. Investigators examined associations of psychological distress and protective factors with suicidality. The sample was comprised of 8,580 African American, 760 White, 1,373 Hispanic and 894 Mixed or Other race youth (12-18 years old). Data came from 11,607 probationers’ Youth Assessment Screening Instruments. Multivariate models assessed risk and protective factors for STB odds (n=672 positive endorsement). African Americans were less likely to report STB and girls were much more likely than boys to report STB across risk factors. Comorbid disorders were significantly associated with increased risk of STB. Findings underscore the need for screening and treatment of psychological distress for youth on probation.

Authors

• Camille Renee' Quinn, The Ohio State University

• Chang Liu, University of Rochester

• Catherine Kothari, Western Michigan University

• Catherine Cerulli, University of Rochester

• Sally Thurston, University of Rochester