Discrete Interpersonal Stress Experiences and Prospective Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Across the Pubertal Transition

Suicide risk dramatically increases across the pubertal transition. This study examined the relationship between two discrete interpersonal stressors, relational victimization and targeted rejection, and prospective suicide ideation and attempts. The potential moderating effects of pubertal development were also observed. 160 adolescents (ages 12 to 18) at heightened risk for self-injurious behaviors were followed over an eighteen-month interval. Participants completed phone-based assessments of suicidal thoughts and behaviors over the first nine months (Time 1) and the second nine months (Time 2). Independently coded measures of relational victimization and targeted rejection were derived from interviews of life stress at Time 1. Assessments of puberty and demographic information were collected at the beginning of Time 1. Findings from logistic regression analyses indicated that relational victimization at Time 1 was associated with increased odds of suicide attempt but not ideation at Time 2, after accounting for prior suicidality and depressive symptoms. Main and moderating effects of pubertal development were not significant. The current study sheds light on potential discrete interpersonal stress experiences associated with heightened risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescent females. Evidence-based intervention programs and screening tools that directly target relational victimization are urgently needed.Master of Art