PILI NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

RISK FACTORS AFFECTING ADOLESCENT SUICIDE AND COPING MECHANISMS

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement in English 10

Researchers

Rex Angelo R. Mancenido

Venn Clement M. Guno

Mark Daniel A. Caampued

A Research Paper Presented to:

ROCHELL A. BITUIN

Subject Teacher

June 19, 2023

INTRODUCTION

In modern times, in light of global social and psychological issues, suicidal behavior holds a
prominent place in society. Beyond contributing to the increasing dynamics of suicidal risks, the problem
lies in their unpredictability and intractable nature. Suicide is one of the leading causes of mortality and
disability in around the world.

This study aims to investigate the causes, risk factors, and prevention strategies for adolescent
suicide, emphasizing gaining an overview of the difficulties this vulnerable population faces.

The result of the study would help adolescents, students, teachers, and families be aware of the
possible factors affecting adolescent suicide.

Several studies show different factors affecting adolescents leading to suicide. The study by
Pandey et al. (2019) entitled "Factors associated with suicidal ideation and suicidal attempts among
adolescent students in Nepal: Findings from Global School-based Students Health Survey" discovered a
high burden of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among Nepalese adolescent students. They
uncovered factors such as gender, loneliness, having close friends, anxiety, becoming drunk, substance
misuse, physical conflict, and parental support. In another case, the study by Bazrafshan (2019)
presented the same factors, including individual, family-related, and social aspects, as the most
significant contributors to suicide attempts among adolescents. The hormonal changes during puberty in
adolescents, particularly girls, can influence their behavior. In addition, the dissolution of the family unit
can negatively affect young people and lead them to attempt suicide.

BODY

Each of us has suicidal thoughts. Adolescent suicide has risk factors, which can be categorized as
biological, environmental, and psychological factors (Smischney, et. al, 2014). The risk factors for
adolescent suicide will be outlined in this research along with some of the cases that fall under these key
categories.

Biological Risk Factors

Biological factors associated with suicidal behaviors among youth include gender, ethnicity, and
sexual orientation. Males are four times more likely to die by suicide even though female teenagers
report higher rates of sadness, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, ideas, and attempts. This paradox can be
explained by the fact that males frequently utilize more lethal methods of suicide (such as firearms),
while females prefer techniques that are more amenable to medical assistance (such as drug overdose or
poisoning). Ethnicity can also play a role in suicide risk among adolescents. Likewise, immigration status
and acculturative stress have also been related to suicidal ideation (Smischney, et. al, 2014). Research
has also found an association between sexual orientation and suicidality. In particular, suicidal thoughts
and attempts are higher among gay and bisexual males than their heterosexual counterparts, especially
during adolescence. According to Gripshi (2022), there are social factors, together with family traits and
socioeconomic status, migration and emigration, physical and sexual abuse, prior suicide attempts, drug
and alcohol usage, bullying, and sexual orientation, are thought to raise the risk of suicide. Teenage
suicide is a worldwide issue that is having an impact on families, friends, and communities. In the study
conducted by Shireen, F. et. al (2014) it was revealed that there is a strong connection between bullying
and suicide. Bullying is a risk factor that is linked to suicidal ideation and attempts among school-age
children and teenagers. Moreover, the earlier onset of sexual abuse and its duration were associated
with more suicide attempts. Childhood sexual abuse has been consistently associated with suicidal
behavior ( Castroman, et. Al, 2013).

Environmental Risk Factors

Suicidologists stated in the study "The Environment and Suicide" by Lester, 2021 that the
physical environment can have an impact on suicidal ideation in addition to the social, economic, and
interpersonal environments. Floods, droughts, damage to the food supply, an increase in air pollution,
and variations in temperature are just a few of the physical environmental destructions that climate
change is causing. The physical health of people and their living circumstances will be impacted by these
changes. Additionally, the changes in the environment will affect mental health. Suicidal attempts are
mostly brought on by environmental and sociological problems (Cagape, 2013). A stressful life event
often occurs before a suicide attempt for adolescents. Although not the cause of suicide, these events
may make an adolescent feel more vulnerable, contribute to a feeling of hopelessness and despair, or
cause the adolescent to become overwhelmed or act impulsively. Relationship breakups, parental
divorce, death of a loved one, military deployment of a parent, academic failure, and physical/sexual
child abuse are events often cited as occurring prior to a suicide attempt. Although these situations are
experienced by most adolescents at some point, research suggests that many of these negative life
stressors in combination with a psychiatric disorder can greatly contribute to suicide risk and behaviors.
Peer relationships and school environment also seem to play a role in adolescent suicide. During
adolescence, the primary attachment shifts from parental figures to peers. These relationships can
impact youth in a variety of ways. Having poor social skills, low self-concept and social self-concept, and
feeling rejected or isolated by peers can serve as a risk factor for adolescents. This may be particularly
true for females who tend to look to peers for support. Finally, recent studies have started investigating
the impact of technology on adolescent suicide risk. It has long been recognized that media coverage on
suicide can lead to suicide clusters.

Psychological Risk Factors

Sometimes, suicidal desires are rooted to psychiatric history, culture, age, race, and sex (Cagape,
2013). Mental health problems and psychiatric disorders are known to be a risk factor for suicidal
behavior among adolescents. Psychiatric disorders place youth at an increased risk of suicide, but any
combination of these disorders can increase the risk of suicide substantially. Depression is the most
common disorder associated with adolescent suicide and suicidal behaviors, and often co-exists with
other diagnosed disorders. For example, prior suicide attempts by the adolescent increase the chances
of subsequent suicidal behaviors and death. Research also shows that adolescents who engage in
suicidal behaviors tend to behave more aggressively and impulsively, lack positive coping and problem-
solving skills, feel less supported by family and friends, and have a general feeling of hopelessness.
Although many of these behaviors can be associated with a psychiatric diagnosis, it may be important to
assess for these behaviors among adolescents independent of a psychiatric diagnosis. Substance abuse
also impacts rates of adolescent suicide. It was found out that while under the influence of alcohol,
adolescent girls were three times more likely to attempt suicide. For males, the risk was even higher,
making a suicide attempt times more likely when alcohol was involved. The combination of mental
health problems and substance use may be even more dangerous. Particularly among males, the
existence of conduct disorder, substance abuse and depression can be fatal. Limiting youth’s access to
drugs and alcohol can deter rates of adolescent suicide. In the medical review of Schimelpfening (2022)
entitled “The Chemistry of Depression: What Is the Biochemical Basis of Depression?” it was revealed
that, for some people, having too little of certain substances in the brain (called neurotransmitters) could
contribute to the onset or worsening of depression. As reported in the published online journal of
Brådvik (2018), depression is strongly related to both suicidal ideation and attempt, but it lacks
specificity as a predictor, and little is known about the characteristics that increase the risk of suicide
among people with depression.

CONCLUSION

Implications of the Thesis Statement

The research explored on the risk factors affecting adolescent suicide namely: biological,
environmental, and psychological factors which is greatly influenced by a number of sub-factors,
including mental health illnesses, family dynamics, societal pressures, substance misuse, availability to
deadly means, and cultural/social factors. The research examined the numerous aspects that lead to
teenagers being at risk of suicide. It is necessary to take a comprehensive approach to address these
factors, which includes enhancing mental healthcare services, fostering supportive family and school
environments, combating bullying, restricting access to lethal weapons, and increasing public awareness
of mental health and suicide prevention. These factors can be recognized and addressed in order to
reduce the risk of suicide and improve teenage wellbeing.

Effect Quotes/Quotable Quotes:

Let us never undervalue the importance of compassion, encouragement, and unwavering

resolve in the fight to eliminate the causes that push children to the brink of death. We can rewrite their
histories and lead them toward a future marked by resiliency, healing, and unwavering optimism by
working together.

Compare Past to Future Studies:

The study of Smischney, T. et.al. (2014) entitled “Risk Factors for Adolescent Suicide” focuses on
the main risk factors such as biological, environmental, and psychological factors. It summarizes the
triggering factors why adolescents commit suicide. The present study entitled “Risk Factors for
Adolescent Suicide and Coping Mechanisms” collected other sub-factors connected to these three main
risk factors. To provide more detail and particular cases, additional researches was conducted. The
current research also underlined the consequences of being aware of the risk factors and offered a few
suggestions for preventing suicide. This study enumerated the functions on the youth, parent and family,
school and community.

Directive Solutions:

By implementing a comprehensive arts and painting program within schools, we can empower
students and adolescents to alleviate the burden of depression by providing them with a transformative
outlet to express their innermost emotions, navigate their challenges, and discover the healing power of
creative self-expression. This study can also be the source of information on how to stop suicidal
attempts by considering the risk factors and apply the suggested ways on dealing the youth, the function
of parents and family, the duty of the school and the community we belong.

For the youth, some of the suggestions are awareness of potential risk factors and suicidal
behaviors may help youth identify their peers who are at risk for suicide. Seeking help – or encouraging a
friend to do so – may be particularly important for adolescents who may be struggling with a mental
health issue.
Parents and family may seek to be appropriately involved, close, and supportive of their
adolescents. It is critical that parents talk to their kids about suicide in a loving, trusting, nonjudgmental
way and be knowledgeable about available resources in their community. Identifying and limiting access
to potential suicidal risk factors such as drugs, alcohol, and firearms may help reduce the risk of suicide.

The school is an avenue for creating an inclusive and supportive school environment could serve
as a protective factor for at-risk youth. Talking about suicide with students, parents, and teachers is
important in order to assess at-risk suicidal adolescents and increase knowledge about suicide risk.

Communities at large should foster awareness that suicide is a problem in every community and
is preventable. Providing access to mental health resources in every community is critical.

References:

Castroman, J. et. al (2013). Early childhood sexual abuse increases suicidal intent. Retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3683267/

Brådvik, L. (2018). Suicide Risk and Mental Disorders. Retrieved from

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6165520/

Cagape, E. (2013). Hong Kong youth suicide cases soar. Retrieved January 18, 2013 from
http://asiancorrespondent.com/27518/

hong-kong-youth-suicide-cases-soar
Gripshi, Z. (2022). Social Factors and Warning Signs of Suicide in Adolescents. Retrieved from
https://revistia.com/files/articles/ejser_v9_i1_22/Gripshi.pdf

Lester, D. (2021). The environment and suicide – Why suicidologists should support climate change
policies [Editorial]. Crisis: The Journal of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, 42(2), 89–91.
https://doi.org/10.1027/0227-5910/a000752

Schimelpfening, N. (2022). The Chemistry of Depression: What is the biochemical basis of depression?
Retrieved from https://www.verywellmind.com/the-chemistry-of-depression-1065137

Shireen, F. et. al (2014). Trauma experience of youngsters and Teens: A key issue in suicidal behavior
among victims of bullying? Retrieved from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3955573/

Smischney, T. et.al. (2014). Risk factors for adolescent suicide. Retrieved from
https://reachfamilies.umn.edu/sites/default/files/rdoc/Adolescent%20Suicide.pdf