NEGATIVE LIFE EVENTS AND ADOLESCENT SUICIDAL-BEHAVIOR - A CRITICAL ANALYSIS FROM THE STRESS PROCESS PERSPECTIVE

In the present review we examine empirical evidence concerning relatio nships between negative life events and adolescent suicidal behavior. Separate critical analyses were made for suicidal ideation, suicide at tempts and completed suicide, suggesting common and differential aspec ts. Although there is evidence supporting the hypothesis that life eve nts may comprise a risk factor for adolescent suicidal behavior, their contribution tends to be moderate or weak. A problem with past resear ch is that it has not adequately incorporated mediating and moderating variables into pathways that link psychosocial stressors and suicidal outcomes. A stress process model is presented as a possible alternati ve to better understanding the relationships between stress and suicid e, and to provide a conceptual and heuristic framework for future rese arch. (C) 1998 The Association for Professionals in Services for Adole scents.