Suicide and Self-Injury
Looking for A Reason: An Exploratory Factor Analysis of the Reasons for Suicide-Related Disclosure
Angela P. Spears, B.S.
PhD Student
Teachers College, Columbia University
New york, New York
Christine B. Cha, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Teachers College, Columbia University
New York, New York
Ki Eun (Kay) Shin, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Long Island University - Post
Brookville, New York
In the United States about 4% of adolescents report having a past suicide attempt and 12% of adolescents report having experienced suicide ideation. Research has identified that social factors (e.g., believing one is a burden, feeling isolated, experiencing a lack of belonging, and perceptions of diminished support) are central in the development and intensification of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). A fundamental aspect of STB communication is self-disclosure (e.g., sharing personal information with others). However, to date, there is a paucity of research for the reasons that one would decide to make STB disclosures. To address this gap, data were gathered through an online Qualtrics survey regarding adolescents (13-17) STB experiences and related communication with a family member or friend. Participants (n=200) completed multiple measures including a self-report version of the Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors-Revised as well as Reasons for Suicide-Related Disclosure (RSRD). The RSRD is the first quantitative measure to date to explore one’s reasons for disclosing STBs. We have developed this 16-item measure, on a 5-point Likert scale to explore: Why might some adolescents choose to disclose their STBs to family or friends. An exploratory factor analysis is currently being conducted with 200 adolescents at risk for suicide. Preliminary results through a maximum likelihood method followed by a Promax rotation have yielded four factors: informing others, strengthening relationships, seeking support, and reciprocity. Full results will be ready to present at the time of the conference. These preliminary results highlight the reasons adolescents identify sharing their STBs are not only to receive help themselves, but also to inform or support others.