16% of Pennsylvania teens have considered suicide – but everyday connection may help

A Penn State analysis of roughly 190,000 Pennsylvania adolescents surveyed in 2023 found that 16% had seriously considered suicide, 13% had made a plan, 5% had attempted it, and 1% required medical treatment for an attempt.

Researchers found that feeling connected to family, school, and community — and being recognized for positive behavior — correlated with lower rates of these outcomes. Family attachment showed the strongest protective link; a one-point increase in that measure corresponded to teens being about 18% less likely to report considering suicide.

Rural teens faced higher risks of planning or attempting suicide than urban peers, despite reporting more community recognition, pointing to gaps in access to mental health services and higher rates of firearm availability. The researchers frame their findings as an argument for building connection into ordinary daily life at home and school, not just crisis response.

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