Question 1

Adolescents who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury:

Accepted Answer

Adolescents who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury may do so to cause sharp physical pain or to distract themselves from their emotional pain. However, they often experience feelings of shame and guilt toward the self after engaging in these behaviors. Therefore, all of the choices are correct.

Question 2

Obsessive thoughts about suicide-suicidal ________________-is a risk factor for acts of suicide.

Accepted Answer

Obsessive thoughts about suicide, also known as suicidal ideation, is a risk factor for actual suicide attempts. Identifying and comprehending one's own suicidal thoughts can be helpful in seeking support and treatment, but compulsion towards suicidal actions is a dangerous sign.

Question 3

Erica was supposed to be going to the prom this weekend; instead she is in bed. When her parents tell the pediatrician that Erica __________________, the pediatrician tells the parents to bring Erica in immediately to be evaluated for depression.

Accepted Answer

Any of the choices suggest symptoms of depression and would warrant a visit to the pediatrician for evaluation.

Question 4

Depression, suicidal ideation, and nonsuicidal self-injury are risk factors associated with unwanted, negative health outcomes at all ages but may be particularly painful for adolescents who feel trapped due to:

Accepted Answer

Features of adolescent egocentrism may contribute to feelings of being trapped, as adolescents may perceive their problems as unique and insurmountable. This can amplify the negative effects of depression, suicidal ideation, and nonsuicidal self-injury. The other options do not directly relate to feelings of being trapped.

Question 5

Caucasian adolescents have been and continue to be at greater risk for suicide in adolescents compared to peers from minority groups.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that while Caucasian adolescents have historically had higher rates of suicide compared to some minority groups, the gap is narrowing, and in some cases, minority groups such as Native American and Alaskan Native youth have higher rates of suicide. Additionally, recent data suggest increasing rates of suicide among Black and Hispanic adolescents, indicating that the risk is significant across different racial and ethnic groups, not just higher among Caucasian adolescents.

Question 6

Treating adolescents with antidepressants:

Accepted Answer

Treating adolescents with antidepressants carries both risks and benefits. While antidepressants can help alleviate symptoms of depression, there is a risk of increased suicidal thoughts or behavior in some adolescents. Therefore, careful monitoring and close communication between the treating healthcare provider and the adolescent is essential.

Question 7

Suicide may again become a concern in adolescence, although currently it is not a risk associated with adolescence.

Accepted Answer

The statement is incorrect. Suicide is actually a significant risk associated with adolescence. It is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 15-19 years old according to the World Health Organization.

Question 8

Deliberate self-injury with no suicidal intent is troubling adolescent behavior and is often a form of:

Accepted Answer

Deliberate self-injury can have multiple motivations and reasons, including self-punishment, managing negative emotions, and communicating personal distress. Therefore, all of the choices (A, B and C) are correct.

Quiz 10: Socioemotional Development in Adolescence