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Presented at the 22nd Annual Research Conference

Addressing Suicide Issues in Systems of Care Communities:How are Caregiver Strain and Youth Suicide Attempt Related? And How Can We Help Children and Families?

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Session Number: 47 Room: Salon H

Presenting: Crystal Barksdale; Sylvia Fisher

All Authors for this paper: Crystal Barksdale; Sylvia Fisher; Christine Walrath; Jill Compton; David Goldston

Presentation Type: paper presentation

Synopsis: In 2006, suicide claimed the lives of over 4,000 young persons and in 2005 suicide was the third leading cause of death among 10 - 19 year old youth. Furthermore, a relatively large percentage of youth enter system of care services with histories of recent suicidal behavior. Suicide among young people is often associated with significant burden to care-giving survivors; however, there is scant data documenting the relationship between caregiver strain and suicidal behavior among youth. This study includes data from the caregivers of youth who received services through the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program. Caregiver strain, family functioning and youth functional impairment were assessed. Caregivers of suicidal and non-suicidal youth differed in subjective internalizing strain and objective strain, and these differences persisted even after controlling for family life and youth functional impairment. Discussion will focus around the significance findings and plans for an upcoming meeting that will seek to identify appropriate prevention, intervention and postvention approaches that can be applied within system of care communities to address the issue of suicide in systems of care.

Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Session Time: 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM

Presentation Time: 3:45 PM - 4:15 PM