Literature Review Suicide has quickly become one of the leading causes of death in the adolescent age group in the United States. It is an important public policy issue to address because it is not centralized to just one region or any specific group, despite it being more prevalent in some gender, racial, and socioeconomic groups. Suicide is a preventable death, which is why it is a very real issue that needs the attention of the public agenda. There are many individuals who are familiar with adolescent suicide, but the lack of action surrounding this issue causes it to be overlooked. There is not a single identifiable source for adolescent suicide or a successful method for prevention. However, there are several theories surrounding the motivations of an adolescent to commit this act. There is an absence of policy to address mental health issues leading up to suicide in adolescents in the United States.
Psychological Issues and Substance Abuse In general, suicide can be attributed to psychological and substance abuse issues. However, most individuals do not view these concepts as relative to adolescents. Mental illness is already so stigmatized in the community; people are in disbelief that adolescents can be facing these issues. There have been several theories that have been developed or applied to adolescent suicide to confirm the relationship between adolescent suicide and psychological issues and substance abuse. To begin with, Aaron Beck developed the Cognitive Theory of Depression, which focuses on three identifiable factors that lead to depression. These factors are: a person’s negative views of themself, their environment, and their future (Kim, Moon & Kim, 2011). These variables combined form Beck’s Cognitive Triad that can be used to explain the reasoning behind depression. In recent years, it the public has become more aware that depression exists beyond adulthood and can easily affect adolescents. This theory also reinforces the concept that depression in adolescents can arise out of bullying and abuse, whether it is emotional or physical. The premise of the theory is that adolescents who are already suffering with depression may ultimately be triggered into committing suicide. Secondly, the Gateway Theory of Substance Abuse asserts that adolescents who are exposed to drugs, tobacco, and alcohol have a higher risk of committing suicide (Kandel, Yamaguchi & Chen, 1992). This can be attributed to the likelihood that these individuals may become at-risk because these substances can become a gateway for more severe drugs. Adolescent suicide becomes more likely when individuals are exposed to drugs such as heroine and cocaine. Finally, the Strain Theory of Suicide acknowledges the mental strain on adolescents who are facing pressure to assimilate into society. Zhang examines the human psyche to determine the variables in an individual’s life that can lead to suicide. The theory focuses on poverty, coping skills, family, social norms, and cultural values (Zhang, 2008). This can be seen in individuals who have trouble with their identify, most likely gender and sexual identity. Programs have been created specifically for individuals in these situations, but are not easily accessible to all individuals. For example, the Trevor Project aims to equip adolescents struggling with their sexual identity the tools necessary to combat the suicidal thoughts associated with feeling like an outsider in their community. Additionally, some individuals are further embarrassed by having to reach out to these resources because of the stigma associated with this topic. Demographics In 2015, there were approximately 254,396 adolescents living in the Kern County region (United States Census Bureau, 2015). Adolescent suicide cannot be attributed to one specific race, gender, or socioeconomic class. However, there are disproportionate numbers that do exist when examining adolescents who have passed away from suicide. Individuals from a lower socioeconomic background facing poverty are more likely to attempt or commit suicide. This is due to the lack of resources available to individuals …show more content…
The article suggests that school-based prevention programs should screen for health-risk behaviors associated with suicide attempts. The article then suggests that these individuals should then be offered referrals and preventative services to these youth (INSERT CITATION). The goal of a school-based program is to train school officials to identify at-risk individuals and to help prevent further adolescent suicide. Furthermore, it is necessary to make the environment safe for adolescents, which will help achieve positive health and education
Psychological Issues and Substance Abuse In general, suicide can be attributed to psychological and substance abuse issues. However, most individuals do not view these concepts as relative to adolescents. Mental illness is already so stigmatized in the community; people are in disbelief that adolescents can be facing these issues. There have been several theories that have been developed or applied to adolescent suicide to confirm the relationship between adolescent suicide and psychological issues and substance abuse. To begin with, Aaron Beck developed the Cognitive Theory of Depression, which focuses on three identifiable factors that lead to depression. These factors are: a person’s negative views of themself, their environment, and their future (Kim, Moon & Kim, 2011). These variables combined form Beck’s Cognitive Triad that can be used to explain the reasoning behind depression. In recent years, it the public has become more aware that depression exists beyond adulthood and can easily affect adolescents. This theory also reinforces the concept that depression in adolescents can arise out of bullying and abuse, whether it is emotional or physical. The premise of the theory is that adolescents who are already suffering with depression may ultimately be triggered into committing suicide. Secondly, the Gateway Theory of Substance Abuse asserts that adolescents who are exposed to drugs, tobacco, and alcohol have a higher risk of committing suicide (Kandel, Yamaguchi & Chen, 1992). This can be attributed to the likelihood that these individuals may become at-risk because these substances can become a gateway for more severe drugs. Adolescent suicide becomes more likely when individuals are exposed to drugs such as heroine and cocaine. Finally, the Strain Theory of Suicide acknowledges the mental strain on adolescents who are facing pressure to assimilate into society. Zhang examines the human psyche to determine the variables in an individual’s life that can lead to suicide. The theory focuses on poverty, coping skills, family, social norms, and cultural values (Zhang, 2008). This can be seen in individuals who have trouble with their identify, most likely gender and sexual identity. Programs have been created specifically for individuals in these situations, but are not easily accessible to all individuals. For example, the Trevor Project aims to equip adolescents struggling with their sexual identity the tools necessary to combat the suicidal thoughts associated with feeling like an outsider in their community. Additionally, some individuals are further embarrassed by having to reach out to these resources because of the stigma associated with this topic. Demographics In 2015, there were approximately 254,396 adolescents living in the Kern County region (United States Census Bureau, 2015). Adolescent suicide cannot be attributed to one specific race, gender, or socioeconomic class. However, there are disproportionate numbers that do exist when examining adolescents who have passed away from suicide. Individuals from a lower socioeconomic background facing poverty are more likely to attempt or commit suicide. This is due to the lack of resources available to individuals …show more content…
The article suggests that school-based prevention programs should screen for health-risk behaviors associated with suicide attempts. The article then suggests that these individuals should then be offered referrals and preventative services to these youth (INSERT CITATION). The goal of a school-based program is to train school officials to identify at-risk individuals and to help prevent further adolescent suicide. Furthermore, it is necessary to make the environment safe for adolescents, which will help achieve positive health and education