Alcohol, Adolescence, and Suicidality

University Of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia MO

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Suicidal ideation and behavior are strongly related to alcohol involvement, and both represent serious public health problems for adolescents and young adults. However, little is known regarding whether specific facets of alcohol involvement (e.g., consumption, heavy consumption, consequences) are differentially related to aspects of suicidality (e.g., ideation, plan, attempt), or characteristics of attempt (e.g., medical attention). Using multiple national datasets of adolescents between the ages of 15 and 18, the proposed research examines the role of alcohol involvement in the prediction of aspects of suicidality. Levels of alcohol involvement are hypothesized to be related to aspects of suicidality, controlling for demographic, other drug use, individual differences (e.g., depression), family and peer environment, and life stress. Based on extant literature, these relations are expected to be stronger for younger than older adolescents. Other potential moderators (e.g., depression and conduct problems), as well as the common influences on alcohol and suicidality, will be examined across gender, age, and race. Results will help clarify developmental differences in the prediction of suicidality and inform early identification and preventive efforts among at-risk youth.