Suicide among teenage girls is a major public health problem. It is the second leading cause of death among young people, making it essential to understand the factors that contribute to it. A recent study by the American Psychological Association highlights two key elements: social stress and deficits in problem solving.

Social stress and its impacts

Social stress, particularly conflicts with peers, friends and family, is a significant risk factor for suicidal behaviour in teenage girls. These conflicts can create an emotionally toxic environment, increasing feelings of despair and isolation. Teenage girls who have difficulty managing these situations are particularly vulnerable.

Problem-solving skills

Problem-solving skills are crucial for managing social stress. Adolescent girls who lack these skills may see suicide as a solution when they feel overwhelmed by their problems. The study showed that adolescent girls with weaker problem-solving skills were more likely to consider suicide as an option in stressful situations.

Study details

The study involved 185 girls aged 12 to 17, all of whom had experienced mental health problems in the past two years. The participants were assessed on their social problem-solving skills and their reaction to social stress. They responded to interpersonal conflict scenarios and had to prepare and deliver a three-minute speech in front of what they believed to be an audience of peers.

The results showed that the teenagers with weaker problem-solving skills were more affected by social stress and presented an increased risk of suicidal behaviour. These results support the cognitive and behavioural theories of suicide, which link deficits in problem-solving to suicidal behaviour.

It is crucial to develop interventions to improve problem-solving skills in adolescent girls. By strengthening these skills, we can help young people to better manage social stress and reduce the risk of suicidal behaviour. Parents, educators and mental health professionals must work together to create a supportive and understanding environment for adolescent girls in difficulty.

Social stress, problem-solving deficits contribute to suicide risk for teen girls