Adolescent Females as a Group Particularly Vulnerable to Suicide Risk and Traumatic Stressful Life Events

Abstract

Introduction: Suicidal behaviour in adolescents has increased considerably, so much so that it is the leading cause of death in this population. Associated risk factors include age, gender, or stressful life events, so their in-depth study is essential for prevention.

Objective: The main objective of this study was to study how certain stressful life events of a victimising nature (such as being a victim of abuse or violence) are related to the risk of suicide in adolescents, taking into account gender and the perceived impact of these events by the victims.

Method: The sample consisted of 147 people with a mean age of 15.34 years (SD = 1.316), who were administered the Stressful Life Events Scale, the Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviours Scale and an ad hoc semi-structured interview.

Results: The results showed a positive relationship between experiencing these events, perceived impact and suicidal risk, as well as a positive relationship between being a woman, a higher likelihood of being a victim of these events and a higher suicidal risk.

Conclusion: It is concluded that being a victim of stressful life events and their impact, as well as being a woman, are related to an increased suicidal risk. Therefore, it is recommended that these aspects be addressed early to reduce this risk.

Keywords: adolescence; gender perspective; risk factors; stressful life events; suicide.