Relative Influence of Different Domains of Social Connectedness on Self-Directed Violence in Adolescence

• NCJ Number: 231028
• Journal: Journal of Youth and Adolescence Volume: 39 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2010 Pages: 460-473
• Author(s): Jennifer W. Kaminski; Richard W. Puddy; Diane M. Hall; Sandra Y. Cashman; Alexander E. Crosby; LaVonne A.G. Ortega
• Date Published: May 2010
• Length: 14 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Special Issue: The Place of Self-Harm in Adolescent Development, Part III, for related articles see NCJ-231027 and NCJ-231029-36.

Annotation

This study investigates the complimentary or competing roles of different domains of social connectedness with respect to self-directed violence in adolescence.

Abstract

Previous research has linked greater social connectedness with a lowered risk of self-directed violence among adolescents. However, few studies have analyzed the comparative strength of different domains of connectedness (e.g., family, peers and school) to determine where limited resources might best be focused. Data to address that gap were taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Student Health and Safety Survey, administered to 4,131 7th-12th graders (51.5 percent female; 43.8 percent Hispanic; 22.6 percent African-American or Black). Logistic regressions (controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, family structure, academic performance, and depressive symptoms) suggest that family connectedness was a stronger predictor than connectedness to peers, school, or adults at school for non-suicidal self-harm, suicidal ideation, suicide plans, and non-fatal suicidal behavior. In some analyses, peer connectedness was unexpectedly a risk factor. Results have implications for prevention of suicide in adolescence, especially in the context of the current trend towards school-based prevention programs. Tables and references (Published Abstract)