Cr. Pfeffer et al., SUICIDAL CHILDREN GROW UP - EGO FUNCTIONS ASSOCIATED WITH SUICIDE ATTEMPTS, Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 34(10), 1995, pp. 1318-1325
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.