The Relationship between Childhood Exposure to External Cause Parental Death, including Suicide, and Subsequent Suicidal Behaviour in Adulthood

Childhood exposure to external cause parental death, including suicide, can influence suicidal behaviours in adulthood although this relationship involves a complex range of risk factors at the individual, interpersonal and environmental levels. Risk factors for suicide among individuals exposed to parental death from external causes (other than suicide) requires further exploration. Methodologically, the study was novel in that it was the first analysis of the Victorian Suicide Register for the purpose of understanding exposure to external cause deaths. More qualitative research is needed in addition to larger datasets which will allow for more powerful statistical analyses.