ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study was conducted to identify and compare the stressors and coping behaviors of high school students who experienced suicidal ideation vs those who do not. METHOD: The data were collected from 1,441 high school students living in the middle region of Korea. Researchers collected the data using Adolescent Stress Inventory and Adolescent Coping questionnare from February to May of 1999. Data were analyzed using X2, T-test. RESULT: A significant proportion (31.9%) of subjects had thought about suicide during the past 6 months, 297 girls (35.3%) and 163 boys (27.2%). Major stressors of subjects who experienced suicidal ideation were academic problems, conflicts between family members, and changes in sleeping or eating patterns. Conflicts with family members contributed to have suicidal ideation. There was no significant difference in helpful coping behaviors between the two groups. The group who experienced suicidal ideation had lower scores and fewer coping behaviors. Boys perceived more stressors and had fewer helpful coping behaviors than girls. CONCLUSION: It is necessary to develope school-based suicide prevention programs. Our findings suggest that the program should focus on problems related to studying and conflicts within the family.