Vulnerable populations:
A stress model, where suicide is a result of a set of cumulative stressful factors
that eventually cause a pathological response in the individual, takes all of these
into account.
Sometimes these factors come together to make some individuals more at risk:
• concerns over sexuality
• personal loss
• pressure to achieve
• psychological distress and depression
• poor academic performance
• violence within the family
• suicides in the family
• substance & alcohol misuse
Self-harm and suicidal behaviour appears to be higher in white children and
adolescents than those from other ethnic groups.
There are higher levels of suicide attempts and suicide ideation among runaway
and homeless adolescents with almost half of the females and over a quarter of
males in one study attempting suicide. 70 per cent of females and 24 per cent of
males had experienced sexual abuse and the presence of this abuse prior to
leaving home was a significant predictor of suicide attempts.
Sexuality problems are also relevant as a risk factor for gay, lesbian and bisexual
adolescents with suicide ideation uncovered in as many as 66 per cent in these
groups. Some young people without support from their peers, families and
community find it too difficult to cope with the discrimination, loneliness and
isolation they face because of their sexuality.