An empirical taxonomy of social-psychological risk indicators in youth suicide

Suicide Life Threat Behav. 2005 Aug;35(4):436-47. doi: 10.1521/suli.2005.35.4.436.

Abstract

The current study integrates descriptive (though primarily social-psychological) statements about youth suicide into a coherent, empirically supported taxonomy. Drawing from relevant literature, a set of 107 items characterizing these contributions about youth suicide was created. Seventy-two participants sorted these statements according to their "face-value" by following two separate procedures. Analyses of these two data sets using multi-dimensional scaling resulted in a common "map" depicting inter-item (dis)similarities. Non-arbitrary rotation of this map revealed three bipolar and orthogonal dimensions labelled as under- and overengagement, rejection-turmoil, and self- to death-identification. It is suggested this dimensional analysis could provide a viable frame for examining and interpreting descriptions about suicide risk and may serve to extend theoretical accounts.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Empirical Research*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Risk Factors
  • Social Environment*
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*
  • Suicide*