Correlates of Suicidal Behavior in a Juvenile Detention Population

The present study identifies the correlates of current suicidal ideation and past suicide attempt among 555 adolescents in a county juvenile detention center. Suicidal behavior in delinquent boys was generally associated with depression and decreased social connection, whereas suicidal behavior in delinquent girls was associated with impulsivity and instability. Current ideation was most significantly associated with current depression. In multivariate analyses, past attempts were associated with suicidal ideation and ineffective coping for males, with major life events and impulsivity for females, and with not residing with at least one biological parent prior to detention for both males and females.