Skip to content

Are you in a crisis? Call or text 988 or text TALK to 741741

¿Estás en una crisis? Llama o envía un mensaje de texto al 988 o envía un mensaje de texto con AYUDA al 741741

Understanding and Assessing Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in School-Age Children: A Longitudinal Approach

2024 Early Career Research Grant

Amount Awarded: $139,014

Focus Area: Psychosocial

Laura Hennefield, PhD

Laura Hennefield, Ph.D.

Washington University in St. Louis

Inside the Research

Children as young as preschool-age can experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). These early-onset STBs can continue into adolescence and are linked to other mental health struggles. However, little is known about how to identify children at risk. This project uses data collected via three methods (brief caregiver-report screener and caregiver and child clinical interviews) at two timepoints (ages four to seven and six to nine years). Key questions being examined relate to how, who, and when to assess early-onset STBs.