National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health:
2000-2005

• Dr. Elaine A. Thompson (PI)
• Dr. Leona L. Eggert
• Dr. Jerald R. Herting
• Dr. Brooke P. Randell

Suicide is a major risk among youth aged 15-24, and increases sharply from age 20 to 24. Potential high school dropouts are known to be at higher risk than average for suicide and suicidal behaviors. This five-year study will follow youth who have been identified as potential high school drop-outs as they enter young adulthood. Subjects will be surveyed four times annually and will participate in a comprehensive suicide-risk assessment interview the final year. Young adult outcome variables include suicidal behaviors and the related risk factors of emotional distress, drug involvement and functional status. No prior studies have developed or tested a model of suicide potential for young adults or described the developmental course of suicide behaviors. Hence, this study is crucial to understanding the etiology of young adult suicide potential.