Si la présence de certains facteurs augmente le risque de conduites suicidaires, la question est de savoir quel peut être le poids différentiel des divers facteurs de risque, pour quels individus, dans quel contexte et à quelle période de leur vie ? Nous avons mis à l’épreuve l’expérimentation d’un modèle expliquant différentes trajectoires de vie qui mènent au suicide. Cette étude permet de dépasser un modèle corrélationnel d’identification de facteurs de risque et de cibler quatre sous-groupes distincts d’individus dont la trajectoire développementale semble bien différente. Il est clair que le suicide est un problème complexe, multidimensionnel, multiniveau. La psychologie, au carrefour de plusieurs disciplines scientifiques, peut intégrer et faire le lien avec d’autres disciplines afin de clarifier les contextes de vie qui affectent différemment les personnes suicidaires, permettant ainsi de mettre en oeuvre des interventions préventives susceptibles d’agir dans cette chaîne causale dont l’issue ultime est le suicide.If certain risk factors are known to increase suicidal behaviors, the question is to determine the differential weight of these various risk factors, on which individuals, in which context and in what period of their lives? We have put to test a model that explains different life trajectories leading to suicide. This research allows to surpass a correlation model of identification of risk factors and to target four distinct sub-groups of individuals for whom the developmental history seems quite different. It is clear that suicide is a complex, multidimensional and multilevel issue. Being at the crossroads of many scientific disciplines, psychology may help integrate and connect knowledge with other disciplines in order to clarify the contexts that affect suicidal individuals differently. This knowledge may help in identifying specific prevention interventions that could modify this chain of events leading ultimately to suicide

Aim: This study examined the trajectory (life course) of youths, referred to community services following their suicidal behavior, in order to measure the extent to which these young people have taken this opportunity to modify connectedness with family, school, and workplace, and to change high-risk factors related to suicidal behaviors (mental health problems, delinquency, drug consumption). Method: Fifteen youths (aged 16-19), who made one or more suicide attempts or had serious ideation in the previous 24 to 48 months, were referred to community services (Vallée-Jeunesse). They were interviewed using an intensive personal interview measures (Trajectory Instrument Measure, TIM) in order to document significant life events and adversities that occured during different periods of their life.In addition, we administered the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis-I and Axis-II disorders (SCID-I and SCID-II) to identify past and current psychopathologies. Results: Several important changes took place following their entry into the community services: a reduction in delinquency and substance abuse/dependence, and positive changes in occupational status and suicidal behaviors (ideation and suicide attempt). Conclusion: Our findings can inform policies and strategies that support the prevention of suicidal behavior among young adults. Community services providers can play a role in the prevention of suicidal behaviors for the most vulnerable youths. These types of services could complement traditional suicide prevention strategies, which are mostly mental-health based. ResumoObjetivo: Este estudo analisou a trajetória (curso de vida) de jovens encaminhados para serviços comunitários após comportamento suicida, a fim de verificar em que medida aproveitaram essa oportunidade para modificar a ligação à família, escola e local de trabalho, e mudar fatores de alto risco relacionados com comportamentos suicidas (problemas de saúde mental, delinquência, consumo de drogas). Método: Quinze jovens (16-19 anos) que fizeram uma ou mais tentativas de suicídio ou manifestaram ideação suicida nos últimos 24 a 48 meses foram referenciados para serviços comunitários (Vallée-Jeunesse). Estes foram entrevistados através de entrevistas pessoais intensivas (Trajectory Instrument Measure, TIM), a fim de registar eventos significativos e adversidades que ocorreram durante diferentes períodos de sua vida. Adicionalmente, foi utilizada a Entrevista Clínica Estruturada para perturbações do Eixo-I e Eixo-II do DSM-IV (SCID-I e SCID-II) para identificar psicopatologias passadas e atuais. Resultados: Várias mudanças importantes ocorreram após a sua entrada nos serviços comunitários: uma redução na delinquência e abuso/dependência de substâncias, e mudanças positivas na situação ocupacional e comportamentos suicidas (ideação e tentativa de suicídio). Conclusão: Os resultados podem fundamentar políticas e estratégias que apoiem a prevenção do comportamento suicida em jovens adultos. Os prestadores de serviços comunitários podem desempenhar u...