JOURNAL ARTICLE

Measures of Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Recommendations for Use in Clinical and Research Settings.

  • Published In: Assessment, 2025, v. 32, n. 3. P. 303 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Liu, Richard T.; Bettis, Alexandra H.; Lawrence, Hannah R.; Walsh, Rachel F. L.; Sheehan, Ana E.; Pollak, Olivia H.; Stephenson, Auburn R.; Kautz, Marin M.; Marlowe, Rachel M. 3 of 3

Abstract

This article systematically reviews existing measures of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) in children and adolescents, evaluating their reliability, validity, and clinical utility based on psychometric studies. Among 21 identified measures, eight had psychometric data in youth samples, including four interview-based (Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation [BSS], Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale [C-SSRS], Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviors Interview [SITBI], and SITBI-Revised [SITBI-R]) and four self-report questionnaires (Concise Health Risk Tracking Self-Report [CHRT-SR], Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire [SIQ], SIQ-JR, and SIQ-JR-4). Interview-based measures generally demonstrated stronger psychometric support and clinical utility, with the C-SSRS and SITBI variants rated adequate overall, while all self-report measures were rated limited due to inherent content and clinical utility issues. The review highlights critical gaps, including the lack of validated self-report tools for youth, especially preadolescents, sexual and gender minority youth, and racial/ethnic minority youth, underscoring the urgent need for development and validation of culturally sensitive, scalable STB measures for diverse pediatric populations.

Additional Information

  • Source:Assessment. 2025/04, Vol. 32, Issue 3, p303
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Health and Medicine
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:1073-1911
  • DOI:10.1177/10731911241249438
  • Accession Number:183813443
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