a finding that has multiple implications for nursing.Despite the fact that suicide has been called an action that involves a conscious process (Michel&Valach,2001),these teens did not necessarily understand the reason for their actions. The suicide attempt was not a cognitive,purposeful,help- seeking behavior though the attempt did result in ED treatment and subsequent psychiatric care. Rather,the attempt was a semi-conscious or subliminal help-seeking behavior and challenged the idea that suicide attempts are attention seeking,a common perception of adolescent suicidal behavior.