Stressful life events, both traumatic and interpersonal, have been shown to contribute to suicide risk in adolescents. Interpersonal stressors are among the most important risk factors for adolescent suicidal behavior, especially when these interpersonal stressors occur during childhood; examples include parental separation, social isolation; poor family communication, family dysfunction; relationship break-ups, conflicts with peers or parents; victimization by peers; low social support, as well as relationship strain due to parental substance abuse and other parental psychopathology (Davies and Cunningham, 1999; Gould et al. 1996; Hawton et al. 1996; Lewinsohn et al. 1994; Wagner, 1997; Zalsman and Mann, 2005). Childhood physical and sexual abuse also increase the risk of adolescent suicidal behavior (Brent et al. 1994; Deykin and Buka, 1994; de Wilde et al. 1992; Horesh et al. 2003; Kendall-Tackett et al. 1993). Academic failure and disciplinary actions contribute to suicide risk among adolescents, including failing a grade, suspension from school, and legal sanctions (Gould et al. 1996; Runeson and Beskow, 1991). Collectively, these kinds of stressful life events are important risk factors for adolescent suicidal behavior.
