Abstract
This study was designed to identify characteristics of family functioning that relate to suicide potential in an outpatient
adolescent population. Participants included 51 adolescents between the ages of 14 and 18 who were involved in outpatient
counselling. The Family Environment Scale and the Suicide Probability Scale were used to assess adolescents’ perception of
family social climate and degree of suicide risk respectively. Results revealed significant correlations between suicide risk
and family systems characterized by heightened conflict and lower levels of cohesion, independence, and organization. A stepwise
multiple regression analysis suggested that organization (related to clarity and structure in family activities and responsibilities)
was the strongest predictor of suicide risk. Implications for research and practice are considered.
adolescent population. Participants included 51 adolescents between the ages of 14 and 18 who were involved in outpatient
counselling. The Family Environment Scale and the Suicide Probability Scale were used to assess adolescents’ perception of
family social climate and degree of suicide risk respectively. Results revealed significant correlations between suicide risk
and family systems characterized by heightened conflict and lower levels of cohesion, independence, and organization. A stepwise
multiple regression analysis suggested that organization (related to clarity and structure in family activities and responsibilities)
was the strongest predictor of suicide risk. Implications for research and practice are considered.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Article
- Pages 1-11
- DOI 10.1007/s10447-011-9140-6
- Authors
- Christopher F. Lucey, California State University, Fresno, Fresno, CA, USA
- Sarah K. Y. Lam, California State University, Fresno, Fresno, CA, USA
- Journal International Journal for the Advancement of Counselling
- Online ISSN 1573-3246
- Print ISSN 0165-0653