Invalidation and Disapproval by Family Make Teens Feel Suicidal: Study

Disregarding teenagers' opinion and choices can drive them to commit suicide, according to a study.

A typical teen is known for being rebellious, less cooperative, emotionally sensitive and impressionable. Agreeing with them on most occasions may not be a wise move but a new psychological research says disapproving their choices and behavior can trigger suicidal tendencies. Experts from Brown University studied a group of 99 teens who were hospitalized for exhibiting suicidal behaviour and followed them for about six months, reports the Camden Daily News.

The researchers also noted the influence of peers and family members and the subjects' perception of family invalidation. It was observed that young boys who felt neglected and unacknowledged for their decisions and preferences had high risk of harming themselves and attempting suicides.

A few of the subjects who were bullied and victimized reported feeling helpless and suicidal.

"In the case of family, a teenager who is gay may feel a strong degree of invalidation if he or she perceives that parents would either disapprove or be disappointed upon finding out," said Shirley Yen, an associate professor of psychiatry and human behaviour at the Brown University, reports the IANS.

The authors believe the findings serve as an accurate method to predict at risk teens and also will help develop early interventions to prevent youngsters from committing suicide.

"What this points to is the importance of assessing the teen's individual feelings of invalidation," Yen said.

More information is available online in the journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology.