The subjective experience of problem irresolvability and suicidal behavior: Dynamics and measurement

This article presents the dynamics and measurement of a relatively unstudie d concept in children's and adolescents' suicidal behavior: the subjective experience of problem irresolvability (SEPI). This concept relates to the y oungsters' sense of lack of control due to being pressured to resolve irres olvable problems within the family circle. The first study describes the co nstruction and factor analysis of the SEPI scale as well as its relationshi p to suicidal tendencies, perceived parental care, and self-esteem. The sec ond study presents a repeated factor analysis and the association between t he SEPI scale and suicidal tendencies, hopelessness, depression, anxiety, a nd commitment to parents. The results suggest that the scale has a 4-factor structure with sound psychometric properties that distinguish successfully between suicidal adolescents on the one hand, and psychiatric and normal a dolescents on the other. The SEPI was also found to be associated with the various studied variables.