Adolescent Suicide and the Classroom Teacher

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Abstract
Adolescent suicide is a phenomenon of epidemic proportions, constituting the third leading cause of death in this age group. Various theories of suicide are reviewed and the attention to family variables discussed. These theoretical models indicate the multi‐disciplinary nature of the problem — that is, that adolescent suicide requires a medical, psychological, social and educational approach to the problem. Since school plays a major role in the lives of adolescents, it offers an avenue of approach to adolescent suicide. A list of behavioral changes indicative of emotional distress is provided for teachers for use in identification and referral. Teachers should also serve an educational function. Discussion of suicide dispels myths and modifies the likelihood of an attempt. Several suggestions concerning how school personnel may intervene are provided.

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