Page 89 - Petelin Ana. Ur. 2022. Zdravje otrok in mladostnikov / Health of children and adolescents. Proceedings. Koper: Založba Univerze na Primorskem/University of Primorska Press
P. 89
tective factors that reduce that risk. Risk factors and protective factors can the impact of the environment on the distress and suicidal behaviour of children and adolescents 89
be further divided into individual factors, interpersonal factors and environ-
mental factors (WHO, 2014). Individual factors include genetic and biological
factors, personality traits, problem-solving characteristics, alcohol and other
psychoactive substances use, mental health problems (especially anxiety and
depression), social skills, self-esteem, etc. At the level of interpersonal relation-
ships, the family is particularly important for children and adolescents, i.e.
strategies for solving problems in the family environment, the presence of con-
flicts, violence or abuse, the socio-economic status of the family and deaths in
the family, especially deaths by suicide. At the environmental level, the influ-
ences of peers, school and the media are especially important for children and
adolescents. Factors in the wider environment are also important, such as ac-
cess to professional help, information about mental health, stigmatisation of
mental health problems and attitudes towards suicide (Gili et al., 2019; Kim,
2021; Werbart Törnblom et al., 2020; WHO, 2014).
The more risk factors present in an adolescent’s life and the fewer pro-
tective factors present, the greater the adolescent’s vulnerability to suicidal be-
haviour. However, suicidal behaviour is a complex process, so we cannot com-
pletely predict which factors increase the risk of suicide the most. Each person
is unique, with their life history and experiences. Individual factors may be
stronger in one adolescent and have a greater influence on suicidal behaviour
than in other adolescents. Therefore, it is not only the number of risk factors
or protective factors that is important, but also how important each factor is
for young person and what role it plays in their life. Nevertheless, knowledge of
the risk factors and protective factors is important for understanding the sui-
cidal process, as it is a necessary prerequisite for effective prevention of suicid-
al behaviour.
The following chapters discuss environmental factors that are an impor-
tant source of opportunities for preventing suicidality in children and adoles-
cents (WHO, 2014). The factors addressed are peers, school, the wider commu-
nity and the media.
The importance of peers regarding distress and suicidality of children
and adolescents
The influence of peers and social groups is very important during adolescence.
They provide a group and support to which the young person can turn in times
of need and talk about problems they do not confide in their parents. They pro-
vide an environment where a young person can develop, connect with others
and prove themselves. As part of a peer society, young people are usually well
connected and spend a lot of free time together (Zupančič & Svetina, 2009).
Close circles of friends are one of the strongest protective factors against suicid-
al behaviour (Barzilay et al., 2017). In close groups, distress can be recognised
earlier and appropriate action can be taken (Barzilay et al., 2017; Fiegelman &
Gorman, 2008; Werbart Törnblom et al., 2020).
be further divided into individual factors, interpersonal factors and environ-
mental factors (WHO, 2014). Individual factors include genetic and biological
factors, personality traits, problem-solving characteristics, alcohol and other
psychoactive substances use, mental health problems (especially anxiety and
depression), social skills, self-esteem, etc. At the level of interpersonal relation-
ships, the family is particularly important for children and adolescents, i.e.
strategies for solving problems in the family environment, the presence of con-
flicts, violence or abuse, the socio-economic status of the family and deaths in
the family, especially deaths by suicide. At the environmental level, the influ-
ences of peers, school and the media are especially important for children and
adolescents. Factors in the wider environment are also important, such as ac-
cess to professional help, information about mental health, stigmatisation of
mental health problems and attitudes towards suicide (Gili et al., 2019; Kim,
2021; Werbart Törnblom et al., 2020; WHO, 2014).
The more risk factors present in an adolescent’s life and the fewer pro-
tective factors present, the greater the adolescent’s vulnerability to suicidal be-
haviour. However, suicidal behaviour is a complex process, so we cannot com-
pletely predict which factors increase the risk of suicide the most. Each person
is unique, with their life history and experiences. Individual factors may be
stronger in one adolescent and have a greater influence on suicidal behaviour
than in other adolescents. Therefore, it is not only the number of risk factors
or protective factors that is important, but also how important each factor is
for young person and what role it plays in their life. Nevertheless, knowledge of
the risk factors and protective factors is important for understanding the sui-
cidal process, as it is a necessary prerequisite for effective prevention of suicid-
al behaviour.
The following chapters discuss environmental factors that are an impor-
tant source of opportunities for preventing suicidality in children and adoles-
cents (WHO, 2014). The factors addressed are peers, school, the wider commu-
nity and the media.
The importance of peers regarding distress and suicidality of children
and adolescents
The influence of peers and social groups is very important during adolescence.
They provide a group and support to which the young person can turn in times
of need and talk about problems they do not confide in their parents. They pro-
vide an environment where a young person can develop, connect with others
and prove themselves. As part of a peer society, young people are usually well
connected and spend a lot of free time together (Zupančič & Svetina, 2009).
Close circles of friends are one of the strongest protective factors against suicid-
al behaviour (Barzilay et al., 2017). In close groups, distress can be recognised
earlier and appropriate action can be taken (Barzilay et al., 2017; Fiegelman &
Gorman, 2008; Werbart Törnblom et al., 2020).
