The family context of adolescent suicidal behaviour

In recent years there has been a disturbing rise in the number of young people who attempt suicide and their problems present a serious challenge to our thinking about the adolescent within his family. there is increasing evidence in the psychiatric literature for the view that adolescent suicidal behaviour cannot be understood without a careful consideration of family background and relationships. This paper examines the general family context of adolescent suicidal behaviour, and looks at specific factors in the family which are associated with this behaviour. The literature is reviewed and flow charts are used to bring together data, themes, and ideas which appear to be important to an understanding of the problem.