New research shows that teens at risk of suicide say their reasons for living are “family,” “friends,” “sister,” and “brother.” These insights matter because understanding their reasons to live can be important in helping to improve therapy and prevent suicide.

Suicide Risk Among Teens Remains a Serious Concern

Suicidal thoughts and actions continue to be a critical issue for teens. In 2023, almost one in ten high school students attempted suicide according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Some groups are at much higher risk.

• Girls were more than twice as likely as boys to attempt suicide.
• Among LGBTQ+ high school students, one in five attempted suicide.
• Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, American Indian/Alaska Native, Hispanic and multiracial students were more likely than others to attempt suicide. (See graph at below)

Teens’ Perspectives

For the study, Ana M. Ugueto, Ph.D., of the University of Texas Health Science Center, and colleagues aimed to develop a nuanced understanding of suicidal adolescents’ individual perspectives and experiences.

Identifying reasons for living may seem at odds with recent suicidal thoughts and behaviors, the authors write. But it is consistent with other research findings that most people who contemplate suicide do not attempt suicide, and among people who attempt suicide, many regret their attempt and often later feel a greater sense of purpose and gratitude for life.

The researchers reviewed records of more than 200 teenagers who had been admitted to an adolescent unit of a psychiatric hospital for suicidal thoughts or behaviors. The records included the teens’ responses about their own personal reasons for living, along with demographic information and other information. Responses were varied but were often related to family, friends, and pets, as well as the adolescents’ future goals.

Reasons for Living Matter

Reasons for living may point to unique protective factors and suggest ways in which youths feel they belong and have a purpose, the authors suggest. Overwhelmingly, participants listed people and pets as important, suggesting that they feel connected to something and a sense of belonging. Many participants also shared that they wanted to do something purposeful with their lives and listed ways that they could help their families. The teens also expressed “unexpected optimism in the notion of simply seeing what the future has in store,” the authors noted. This optimism offers an opportunity to build on the curiosity and to help instill hope.

Ugueto and colleagues concluded that identifying teens reasons for living:

• Can provide insights into what is important in their lives.
• May serve as a protective factor to help reduce suicidality.
• May be used therapy to help build rapport, establish goals, and personalize treatments.

The study was published online Sept. 23 in the APA journal Psychiatric Services.

Note: Data from chart above. Percentage of High School Students Who attempted suicide during the past year, US, YRBS, 2023: Total – 9%; Female – 13%; Male 6%; AI/AN – 11%; Asian – 8%; Black 10% - Hispanic – 11%, White 8%; Multiracial 11%; Cisgender and Heterosexual – 6%; LGBTQ+ - 20%.