Methods: MAYSI-2 data were collected from all youth detained in a Midwestern juvenile detention facility between May 2006 and March 2010 for a total of 1,992 occasions. The sample (N=1,348) was 86% male; 79% Black, 17% White, and 4% Other; and age 10-17. Chi-square analyses were conducted.
Results: On the overall SI scale, univariate analyses revealed n=1,542 (78%) responses to zero items, n=205 (10%) to one item, n=245 (12%) to two or more items, and n=415 (21%) felt lonely. Chi-square analyses revealed n=84 felt lonely and had suicidal thoughts (χ2=150.41, p<.0001); n=91 felt lonely and wanted to hurt themselves (χ2=144.31, p<.0001); n=117 felt lonely and wished they were dead (χ2=168.11, p<.0001); and n=167 felt lonely and life was not worth living (χ2=194.92, p<.0001).
Conclusions and Implications: Not only is suicide a major public health concern, but it is a tremendous issue for juvenile offenders and every effort should be made to identify suicide ideation. In this study, there were practical and statistically significant responses to items reflective of suicidal thoughts. By broadening how we identify those at risk, mental health practitioners can be more equipped to address suicidal thoughts, gestures, and attempts. Although it was not possible to explore the number of actual suicide gestures or attempts made by study participants, this study highlights the pervasiveness of feeling lonely. Prior or current feelings of loneliness, separation from one’s normal environment, and being detained, might exacerbate a juvenile’s loneliness and ultimately their suicidal thoughts, gestures, or attempts. These possibilities warrant concern and should be responded to; therefore, a new strategy should be used when identifying suicide ideation with the MAYSI-2. Instead of only noting when any two items are responded to affirmatively, addition al attention should be paid when a juvenile responds affirmatively to feeling lonely, coupled with another SI item.