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Prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation and self-injury in children and adolescents: a systematic review
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Taghwa Ebrahimi1    , Forough Esrafilian *2 , Hojjatollah Farahani2 |
1- Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran |
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Abstract: (195 Views) |
Background and Purpose: Suicidal ideation and self-injurious behaviors in children and adolescents are critical mental health concerns that pose a serious threat to the well-being of this age group and require comprehensive investigation. This systematic review aimed to examine epidemiology and find factors associated with suicidal ideation and self-injury among children and adolescents.
Method: A systematic review was conducted by searching relevant keywords in Google Scholar, PubMed, ProQuest, Embase, PsycINFO, and Scopus for articles published between August 2015 and July 2025. A total of 694 English-language articles were found and screened according to predefined inclusion criteria, with study selection and quality assessment performed following the PRISMA guidelines. Following a comprehensive qualitative evaluation, 22 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included finally.
Results: The prevalence of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and self-injurious behaviors among children and adolescents varied across studies, reflecting differences in cultural contexts, measurement tools, and population characteristics. Reported prevalence rates ranged from 4% to 47% for suicidal ideation, 1% to 14% for suicide attempts, and up to more than 59% for non-suicidal self-injury. Family-related factors such as parent–child conflict, inadequate parental supervision, and a family history of suicide, along with social factors including school bullying, domestic violence, and poverty, were associated with increased risk. In contrast, strong social support and positive school connectedness appeared as important protective factors.
Conclusion: Suicidal ideation and self-injurious behaviors in children and adolescents are influenced by a complex interplay of individual, familial, and social factors. Accurate identification of these determinants is essential for the development of effective prevention strategies and targeted interventions. Strengthening social support systems and improving the quality of family and school environments may play a critical role in reducing these high-risk behaviors. |
Article number: 3 |
| Keywords: Children, prevalence, risk behaviors, self-injury, suicidal ideation |
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Full-Text [PDF 955 kb]
(83 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Review |
Subject:
General
Received: 2025/08/12 | Accepted: 2026/02/12 | Published: 2026/04/7
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