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Environmental Factors, Locus of Control, and Adolescent Suicide Risk

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Abstract

This exploratory study seeks to better understand possible relationships between environmental factors, locus of control, and suicide risk among adolescents. The data derive from in-school surveys of eight-grade students conducted in 1998 and 1999 in Arizona, California, Nevada, and Wyoming. Results revealed higher levels of suicide risk were associated with a more external locus of control orientation. Relationships between suicide risk and several environmental factors and preferences also were found. Potential links between locus of control, environment, and suicide risk are discussed, as are implications for intervention efforts and future research.

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Correspondence to William P. Evans Ph.D..

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William P. Evans and Shawn C. Marsh are affiliated with the University of Nevada, Reno. Pasty Owens is affiliated with the University of California, Davis.

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Evans , W.P., Owens, P. & Marsh, S.C. Environmental Factors, Locus of Control, and Adolescent Suicide Risk. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 22, 301–319 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-005-0013-x

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