Adolescence is an important period of risk for the development of lifelong smoking behaviors and nicotine addiction, but limited data are available on smoking in relation to SRB in this age-group (McGee et al., 2005; Hockenberry et al., 2010). Smoking is associated with increased risk for subsequent suicide ideation and attempts in adolescence (Riala et al., 2009). However, other studies, also following adolescents into young adulthood, have found no association (Fergusson et al., 2000, Dugas et al., 2012, Wilcox & Anthony, 2004). Moran et al. (2012) suggested that self-injury is independently associated with smoking and depression. Outcomes are poor also among those who have intentionally harmed themselves without suicidal intent (Mars et al., 2014). Previous findings warrant prospective studies to understand the relationships between smoking and SRB, and to identify risk groups who benefit most from preventive actions. However, complex behaviors, such as smoking and SRB, may be difficult to assess reliably and ethically at a young age.
