Suicidality in the Deep South: risks for adolescent Mississippians

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand suicidality among adolescent Mississippians.

Design/methodology/approach

Mississippi-specific data were obtained from an existing national health data set and utilized for two hierarchal linear regressions.

Findings

Highest risk for adolescent suicidality is for females with poor body image and a history of traumatic experiences.

Research limitations/implications

This study demonstrates the need for further research into unique suicide risk factors for adolescents in Mississippi. Causality cannot be inferred due to the correlational nature of this study, and direct comparison of the findings to adolescents from other states cannot be made.

Originality/value

This exploratory study employed a holistic, inclusive approach toward better identifying adolescent Mississippians most at-risk for suicidality; findings lead to future, targeted research efforts for better understanding specific suicide risk factors in this population.

Citation

Mandracchia, J., To, Y. and Pichette, S. (2016), "Suicidality in the Deep South: risks for adolescent Mississippians", Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research, Vol. 8 No. 1, pp. 61-70. https://doi.org/10.1108/JACPR-10-2014-0141