Why is suicide the leading killer of older adolescent girls?

Résumé

This article discuses why is suicide the leading killer of older adolescent girls? New research is needed to understand the drivers of self-harm and suicide in girls across different settings, to inform programme design and policy dialogue that can ameliorate this grave situation. But the evidence we already have suggests strongly that rigid and exploitative gender norms play a harmful part. From social science research, we understand that adolescents experience increased gender role differentiation and, in many cases, exaggerated forms of gender-based discrimination. We need improved monitoring and documentation of suicides and suicide attempts, and greater innovation in promoting mental health among adolescents. And as we move toward a new global development agenda and a new global strategy on the health of women, children, and adolescents, we must address the full range of health needs for adolescent girls, a crucial and previously neglected population. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved) FEMME ADOLESCENT SUICIDE-COMPLÉTÉ FACTEUR-RISQUE