The Adolescent Attempter: Sex,Sibling Position,and Family Constellation

ABSTRACT: Data from 17 adolescents who attempted suicide and came to the attention of the Payne Whitney Suicide Prevention Clinic during the years 1968–70 were analyzed for information regarding sex, birth order, sex of siblings, and family constellation. The results indicated that there was a significant trend for firstborn females to be overrepresented among adolescent suicide attempters. In addition, father loss was frequently noted in their histories. A theoretical rationale for the investigation is presented with the results of the study.