Subtypes of Suicidal and Assaultive Behaviors in Adolescent Psychiatric Inpatients: A Research Note

Among 129 adolescent psychiatric inpatients, four subgroups of suicidal and/or assaultive behaviors were identified. A suicidal‐only subgroup with no evidence of assaultive behavior was characterized by depression, drug abuse and environmental stresses. An assaultive‐only subgroup with no evidence of suicidal behavior exhibited aggressive symptoms and violence at home. A subgroup with both suicidal and assaultive behaviors experienced accidents and family violence. A fourth subgroup had neither suicidal nor assaultive behavior. This subgroup showed eating disorders, depression, minimal assaultiveness and few peer friendships.