SUICIDAL CHILDREN GROW UP - EGO FUNCTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH SUICIDE ATTEMPTS

Objective: To evaluate the relations between suicidal behavior in chil dren and ego functions including impulse control, reality testing, and ego mechanisms of defense. Method: One hundred thirty-three children were assessed initially and at a 6- to 8-year follow-up for levels of reality testing and impulse control and frequency of use of several eg o mechanisms of defense. Associations between suicidal ideation and su icide attempts at the initial assessment and at follow-up were analyze d with regard to ego functions. Results: Specific ego functions, such as impulsivity, poor reality testing, and ego mechanisms of defense su ch as projection, regression, compensation, and reaction formation wer e positively associated with suicide attempts. Repression was a protec tive factor to prevent suicide attempts in the follow-up period. Concl usions: The results suggest that ego functions are related to behavior of consequence and are useful in the identification of children at ri sk for suicidal behavior.