Graduate Program

Clinical Psychology

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

2010

Thesis Director

Amy Brausch

Thesis Committee Member

Russell Gruber

Thesis Committee Member

Wesley Allan

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between victimization and suicide in adolescents. It was hypothesized that substance use, violent behavior, and risky sexual behavior would all increase adolescent suicide risk and mediate the relationship between adolescent victimization and suicide. It was further hypothesized that parental support, dietary nutrition, and physical activity would decrease suicide risk and moderate the relationship between adolescent victimization and adolescent suicide. To test these hypotheses, selfreport surveys were administered to 4,700 public high school students. Regression analyses of data indicated that the amount of victimization significantly predicted the amount of suicidal behavior reported. Similarly, substance use, violent behavior, and risky sexual behavior also individually predicted the amount of suicidal behavior. Substance use was the only risk factor found to significantly mediate the relationship between victimization and suicidal behaviors. Parental support, dietary nutrition, and physical activity were not found to moderate the relationship between victimization and suicide risk. Results further clarify the relationship between victimization and adolescent suicide and offer several significant directions for future research. Moreover, findings from the study also underscore the importance of research and practice related suicide assessment, intervention, and prevention in school settings.

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