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Peer Deviance, Social Networks, and Suicide Ideation Intensity in a Clinical Sample of Adolescents

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Abstract

Objectives

Although research has identified interpersonal difficulties as risk factors for adolescent suicidality, parent and peer relationships are often assessed as discrete risk domains.

Methods

The current study uses a social network approach to assess individual differences in the degree to which a clinical sample of 129 adolescents being treated for suicidal ideation rely on parents or peers for their attachment needs.

Results

Youth who affiliated with deviant peers were more likely to: (a) report greater intensity (increased frequency and duration and decreased controllability) of their suicide ideation, and (b) identify peers rather than adults as attachment figures.

Conclusions

Adolescents’ peer relationships are associated with suicide ideation intensity in a clinical sample of suicidal and depressed adolescents.

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Author Contributions

C.H.A.: analyzed the data and wrote the paper. A.Z.: collaborated with the data analysis and writing of the paper. N.B.: collaborated with the writing and editing of the paper. G.S.D.: designed and executed the study, edited the final manuscript. R.K.: designed and executed the study, collaborated with the data analysis and writing of the paper.

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Correspondence to Caroline H. Abbott.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of the University of Delaware Institutional Review Board and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and comparable ethical standards.

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Informed consent/assent was obtained from all participants included in the study.

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Abbott, C.H., Zisk, A., Bounoua, N. et al. Peer Deviance, Social Networks, and Suicide Ideation Intensity in a Clinical Sample of Adolescents. J Child Fam Stud 28, 796–804 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-018-01320-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-018-01320-5

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