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Gender Differences in Life Stressors Associated with Child and Adolescent Suicides in Singapore from 1995 to 2003

Author

Listed:
  • Rebecca P. Ang

    (Division of Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, rpang@ntu.edu.sg)

  • B. H. Chia

    (Singapore)

  • Daniel S.S. Fung

    (Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Singapore)

Abstract

Aims : This study explored gender differences in life stressors of children and adolescents who died by suicide. Three main classes of life stressors have been identified by previous research to be significant risk factors for suicide in children and adolescents: interpersonal/relationship problems, family problems, and academic/school problems. Methods : The sample consisted of 156 (89 males and 67 females) completed child and adolescent suicides in Singapore from 1995 to 2003. The age of these individuals ranged from 10 to 19 years with a mean age of 16.49 (SD = 2.59). Results : Significantly more females were found to have had interpersonal/relationship problems as recent life stressors compared with males. No gender differences were found for the other two life stressors, family problems and academic/school problems. In addition, among the three life stressors studied, only interpersonal/relationship problems emerged as a significant predictor of female child and adolescent suicide. Conclusions : Consistent with previous research literature, these findings contribute to a growing literature documenting the relatively larger impact of relational life stressors on child and adolescent female suicidality. Implications for suicide intervention and prevention, especially among young females, were discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Rebecca P. Ang & B. H. Chia & Daniel S.S. Fung, 2006. "Gender Differences in Life Stressors Associated with Child and Adolescent Suicides in Singapore from 1995 to 2003," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 52(6), pages 561-570, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:52:y:2006:i:6:p:561-570
    DOI: 10.1177/0020764006074296
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bearman, P.S. & Moody, J., 2004. "Suicide and Friendships among American Adolescents," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(1), pages 89-95.
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