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Suicidal Ideation, Friendships with Delinquents, Social and Parental Connectedness, and Differential Associations by Sex

Background: The association between suicidal ideation, friendships with
delinquents, and social/parental connectedness among pre/early adolescents who
reside in high-risk communities is poorly understood. Aims: This study
examined among high-risk youths: (1) the association between suicidal ideation and having
delinquent friends, school connectedness, social support, and different parenting styles (i.e.,
caring only, supervision only, caring with supervision); and, (2) the differential associations
by sex. Methods: The associations were assessed among 2,598 pre/early
adolescents using logistic regression. The analyses were adjusted for demographic, mental
distress, illicit substance use, and peer/date violence victimization factors. The
interaction terms determined differences by sex. Results: After adjusting for
demographic factors and mental distress, suicidal ideation was positively associated with
having delinquent friends; however, after factoring in illicit substance use and violence
victimization, this association was negative for males. After adjusting for all factors,
suicidal ideation was negatively associated with school connectedness and all parenting styles;
however, the association between suicidal ideation and having parental caring with supervision
was stronger for females. Conclusions: The results suggest the potential
benefits of increasing school connectedness and improving parent-child interactions,
particularly among females, and the potential benefits of violence and substance-abuse
prevention strategies for youths, particularly males, connected with delinquent peers.

  • Content Type Journal Article
  • Category Research Trends
  • Pages 1-11
  • DOI 10.1027/0227-5910/a000091
  • Authors
    • J. E. Logan, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention
      and Control, Division of Violence Prevention, Etiology and Surveillance Branch,
      Atlanta, GA, USA
    • A. E. Crosby, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention
      and Control, Division of Violence Prevention, Etiology and Surveillance Branch,
      Atlanta, GA, USA
    • M. E. Hamburger, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention
      and Control, Division of Violence Prevention, Etiology and Surveillance Branch,
      Atlanta, GA, USA