NCJ Number
225668
Journal
Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice Volume: 8 Issue: 4 Dated: 2008 Pages: 358-382
Date Published
2008
Length
25 pages
Annotation
This study identified common and unique risk factors for suicidal and self-harming (SSH) behavior among incarcerated young offenders.
Abstract
Results of the study found a lifetime prevalence of 19.2 percent for suicidal ideation and 18.2 percent for self-harm ideation, which was consistent with previous research on incarcerated adolescents. Past emotion abuse, current psychological distress, and depersonalization disorder were significant factors for suicidal ideation. Past physical abuse and current psychological distress were significant risk factors for self-harm ideation. For this population of young adolescent offenders, suicide and self-harm co-occurred. The identification and management of self-harming behavior in detention facilities was important because of the high rates of such behavior in these institutions and because of the major impact that suicide has had on morale, governance, and stability. The most important policy implication arising from this study is that multiple assessment and triage approaches appear necessary to identify a young person at risk of self-harm or suicide. Prior research has estimated lifetime suicidal ideation in the general adolescent population at 29.9 percent. Lifetime rates of deliberate self-harm and suicide among young offenders is between 15 and 24 percent. In Australian young offenders, suicide has been identified as the leading cause of morality after drug-related deaths. This study of 242 incarcerated young offenders in Australia assessed and compared patterns of risk factors associated with suicide and self-harm self-report with a standardized scale assessing suicidality and explored the relationship between correlates of suicidal and self-harming (SSH) and varying means to assess for risk of a future attempt. Tables and references