Applying the Technique for Screening the Risks of Suicidal Behavior in Adolescents and Young People

The article presents screening results for potential and actual risk factors of suicide behavior in adolescents. The sample consisted of more than 6,000 minors aged between 13 and 18.The study included two stages: testing (scales of hopelessness and loneliness, Bass-Purry Aggression Questionnaire, index of well-being, Personal Values Questionnaire, personality disorders questionnaire, FACES III) and individual counselling (diagnostic interviews) with adolescents at risk. The screening procedure allowed us to analyse potential and actual risk factors and to divide the subjects into 4 groups depending on the seriousness of their psychological condition and the required support: two groups of adolescents with actual crisis state and two groups with aggressive behaviour and character accentuation. The second stage of the study consisted of 225 individual diagnostic interviews. We discuss the characteristics of the group of the adolescents with a pronounced inclination towards self-harm who require prolonged psychological and, in some cases, medical assistance. In conclusion, we highlight some important aspects and key components of screening and strategies of preventing suicidal and self-harm behavior among adolescent population.