Page 88 - Petelin Ana. Ur. 2022. Zdravje otrok in mladostnikov / Health of children and adolescents. Proceedings. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem/University of Primorska Press
P. 88
avje otrok in mladostnikov | health of children and adolescents 88 Vulnerability to suicidal behaviour among adolescents
Although suicide rates increase with age and are highest in older age groups,
adolescents are considered a particularly vulnerable group for suicidal behav-
iour. Suicide is one of the leading three causes of death among adolescents
(SURS, 2022a; WHO, 2021a). In Slovenia, approximately 20 children and ad-
olescents between the ages of 10 and 19 died by suicide every year in the past.
In recent years, i.e. since 2005, this number has slightly decreased, but we still
record about 10 suicides per year in this youngest age group (SURS, 2022b). A
similar decrease can be observed in other OECD countries (Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development), but the decline in the rate is on-
ly for boys, while there is no similar decrease for girls; there is even an increase
(Roh et al., 2018).
When we talk about suicidal behaviour, we are not only talking about
deaths by suicide but also suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts, which are
more common among adolescents than in other age groups (WHO, 2021b). Su-
icidal behaviour rarely occurs before the age of 12 and is most frequent between
the ages of 14 and 19 (Tančič, 2009).
Adolescence is characterised by numerous changes at the social, emo-
tional, physical and cognitive levels (Zupančič, 2009). The adolescence is full
of various demands, both external and internal, which are related to the ado-
lescents’ developmental tasks. During this time, the adolescent has to adapt to
physical changes, become emotionally independent, form a social gender role,
establish new social relationships with peers, develop socially responsible be-
haviour, prepare for job, partnership and family, and form value orientations.
The unsuccessful accomplishment of developmental tasks can lead to self-dis-
satisfaction, disapproval by others and poorer mental health. Furthermore, un-
successful coping with developmental tasks in adolescence can also lead to un-
successful managing of developmental tasks later in life (Roškar, 2009).
Due to the developmental characteristics, there are many obstacles when
it comes to seeking help in times of need. These obstacles are (i) self-reliance
or feeling that adolescents are responsible for solving their problems, (ii) fear
of professional help or believing that professionals will not help them because
they do not care or do not know how to help, (iii) suicidal ideation, which in-
clude social withdrawal and fear of the reactions of those around them, (iv)
shame or fear of stigmatisation; (v) unavailability of support systems, where
the barrier is both insufficient availability and unawareness of possible sources
of help; (vi) fear that others will misunderstand the need; and (vii) feeling that
those around them are indifferent or that no one cares (Rodham et al., 2004).
Risk factors and protective factors for suicidal behaviour
in adolescents
There is never just one cause of death by suicide, as different factors interact
- risk factors that increase a person’s vulnerability to suicidal behaviour and
Although suicide rates increase with age and are highest in older age groups,
adolescents are considered a particularly vulnerable group for suicidal behav-
iour. Suicide is one of the leading three causes of death among adolescents
(SURS, 2022a; WHO, 2021a). In Slovenia, approximately 20 children and ad-
olescents between the ages of 10 and 19 died by suicide every year in the past.
In recent years, i.e. since 2005, this number has slightly decreased, but we still
record about 10 suicides per year in this youngest age group (SURS, 2022b). A
similar decrease can be observed in other OECD countries (Organisation for
Economic Co-operation and Development), but the decline in the rate is on-
ly for boys, while there is no similar decrease for girls; there is even an increase
(Roh et al., 2018).
When we talk about suicidal behaviour, we are not only talking about
deaths by suicide but also suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts, which are
more common among adolescents than in other age groups (WHO, 2021b). Su-
icidal behaviour rarely occurs before the age of 12 and is most frequent between
the ages of 14 and 19 (Tančič, 2009).
Adolescence is characterised by numerous changes at the social, emo-
tional, physical and cognitive levels (Zupančič, 2009). The adolescence is full
of various demands, both external and internal, which are related to the ado-
lescents’ developmental tasks. During this time, the adolescent has to adapt to
physical changes, become emotionally independent, form a social gender role,
establish new social relationships with peers, develop socially responsible be-
haviour, prepare for job, partnership and family, and form value orientations.
The unsuccessful accomplishment of developmental tasks can lead to self-dis-
satisfaction, disapproval by others and poorer mental health. Furthermore, un-
successful coping with developmental tasks in adolescence can also lead to un-
successful managing of developmental tasks later in life (Roškar, 2009).
Due to the developmental characteristics, there are many obstacles when
it comes to seeking help in times of need. These obstacles are (i) self-reliance
or feeling that adolescents are responsible for solving their problems, (ii) fear
of professional help or believing that professionals will not help them because
they do not care or do not know how to help, (iii) suicidal ideation, which in-
clude social withdrawal and fear of the reactions of those around them, (iv)
shame or fear of stigmatisation; (v) unavailability of support systems, where
the barrier is both insufficient availability and unawareness of possible sources
of help; (vi) fear that others will misunderstand the need; and (vii) feeling that
those around them are indifferent or that no one cares (Rodham et al., 2004).
Risk factors and protective factors for suicidal behaviour
in adolescents
There is never just one cause of death by suicide, as different factors interact
- risk factors that increase a person’s vulnerability to suicidal behaviour and
