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Jody Russon, PhD Quintin Hunt, MS
Family
Therapy
for Suicide
Prevention
in Youth
Suicide is a serious public health problem among adolescents and young adults in the United States.
It is the second leading cause of death for youth ages 15
to 24 (Hoyert, 2012). Youth exhibit a range of suicidal concerns. According to Nock et al. (2013), 12.1% of adolescents contemplate suicide, versus 4% who make
a plan or an attempt. Rates for suicide in racial minority groups have recently increased (O’Donnell, Myer, & Schwartz, 2011) and LGBTQ youth are three times more likely to attempt than their heterosexual peers (Fergusson, Horwood, Ridder, & Beautrais, 2005). Given these alarming statistics, researchers and clinicians have been working to investigate theories and models that help us understand the factors that contribute to suicide. One such theory is the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (Joiner, 2005). Backed with substantial empirical support, Joiner’s theory posits that social isolation (thwarted belongingness) and feeling like
a burden to others (perceived burdensomeness) together promote one’s desire for suicide.
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