Risk factors for teen suicide and bullying: An international integrative review.

AIM

This study aimed to analyse risk and protective factors for teen suicide and bullying.

BACKGROUND

Research shows that high percentages of bully-victims report suicidal thinking or suicide attempts.

DESIGN

This was an international integrative review.

DATA SOURCES

Five databases including CINAHL, Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar and Cuiden were searched between January 2010 and December 2020.

REVIEW METHODS

Review methods included problem identification; search, evaluation and analysis of literature; and presentation of results.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies were included. We grouped the selected articles into seven thematic categories. The most significant risk factors were being male, having a previous personal and/or family suicide attempt, mental health problems, substance abuse, previous physical and/or sexual abuse, low socio-economic level, belonging to a single-parent family, underachievement, family dysfunction and violent environment. The most common protective factors for both suicide and bullying were being female, having good mental health, belonging to a two-parent family, safe school environment, good family relationships and having an involved teacher.

CONCLUSION

Suicide resulting from bullying is a social and public health problem, so nurse practitioners and paediatric primary care nurses have a responsibility to educate teachers and parents in order to promote early detection and the development of more effective prevention and action plans.