Premium
An Investigation of Adolescents' Substance Use Behaviors, Depressed Affect, and Suicidal Behaviors
Author(s) -
Windle Rebecca C.,
Windle Michel
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of child psychology and psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.652
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1469-7610
pISSN - 0021-9630
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-7610.1997.tb01611.x
Subject(s) - psychology , affect (linguistics) , substance use , clinical psychology , suicide prevention , substance abuse , psychological intervention , stressor , poison control , suicidal behavior , injury prevention , psychiatry , depressive symptoms , suicidal ideation , human factors and ergonomics , medicine , cognition , medical emergency , communication
Data from a four‐wave panel design of 975 adolescents were used to study inter‐relationships among suicidal behaviors, depressive symptoms, and substance use behaviors. Persistently high levels of problem drinking and depressive symptoms were associated with higher levels of suicidal thoughts and attempts. Higher levels of depressive symptoms and greater cigarette and illicit drug use distinguished suicidal ideators from attempters. Adolescents attempting suicide reported lower levels of family social support, a greater use of substances to cope with stressors, and a higher density of substance‐using peers. Implications of the findings for preventive interventions with high‐risk teens are discussed.