Suicide Among Incarcerated Juveniles 275Although there is extensive research regarding adolescent suicide, there is rela-
tively little research conducted on suicide among adjudicated adolescents (Evans,
Albers, Macari, & Mason, 1996). Within the existing literature, there are con-
flicting results regarding the prevalence of suicide among incarcerated juveniles.
Some suggest that one reason for this may be due to the underreporting of such
occurrences by detention facility officials (Flaherty, 1983). Flaherty notes that it is
a sensitive and embarrassing issue for officials to discuss, particularly when suicides
occur within their facilities. Therefore, many results are skewed in the direction of
underestimating the incidence rate.
A distinction needs to be made between completed suicide and parasuicide.
Completed suicide refers to the suicidal act resulting in an individual's death,
whereas parasuicide refers to nonfatal intentional self-harm. Research has shown
that younger inmates are more vulnerable to parasuicide (Ivanoff, Jang, & Smyth,
1996). Others suggest that an increase in the incidence of parasuicide among
younger inmates may be attributed to impulsivity (G. L. Brown, Linnoila, &: Good-
win, 1992). One study reported that in a sample of 11,000 juveniles in detention
facilities, 18,000 acts of attempted suicide, suicidal gestures, or self-mutilation oc-
curred within the institution.
Previous research has linked delinquency to physical and sexual abuse (Albers &
Evans, 1994; de Wilde, Kienhorst, Diekstra, & Wolters, 1992). More specifically,
studies have reported that incarcerated juveniles are at an increased risk for suicide
due to their high incidence of substance abuse as well as physical and sexual abuse
(Battle, Battle, & Tolley, 1993). In a study conducted by Evans ct al. (1996), no differ-
ence was found between gang and nongang members in terms of reported physical
abuse; however, nongang members reported higher levels of suicidal ideation. In
this same study, gang members who had a history of sexual abuse had higher levels
of suicidal ideation than their nongang counterparts.
Contrary to the previously mentioned research, results have emerged which
conclude that incarcerated juveniles are at less risk for suicide. Flaherty (1983)
reported that youths in juvenile detention facilities committed suicide at a lower
rate than adolescents in the general population. However, this study also reported
that juveniles detained in adult jails were at a far greater risk for completing suicide.
Flaherty found that 17 of the 21 suicides were committed by youths who were
held in adult jails in complete isolation. This was clearly the situation in the case
illustration of Kathy Robbins. As demonstrated by this sections case examples,
the most common means of committing suicide among incarcerated juveniles is
hanging.
Several characteristics distinguish young offender suicides from the general pop-
ulation of inmate suicides. A study by Liebling (1993) revealed that youthful inmates
were more likely to commit suicide after their conviction, but prior to their sen-
tencing. Most suicides among the young inmates occurred during the first month
of custody. Additionally, Liebling concluded that young inmates who committed
suicide were less likely to have ever received psychiatric treatment.