Poor sleep, psychological distress, socioeconomic disadvantage and unhealthy eating habits are closely associated with a higher risk of suicidal thoughts among adolescents, according to new research from University of the Sunshine Coast.
The longitudinal study, led by the university’s Thompson Institute, followed 159 young people aged 12 to 17 over several years to examine how lifestyle and social conditions shape suicidal ideation during adolescence.
Lead author and PhD candidate Maddison Crethar said sleep emerged as a clear marker of risk. “Poor sleep emerged as quite a significant risk factor. There’s been little research to date that’s explored this link over an extended period of adolescence,” she said, noting that adolescents with poor sleep were 2.6 times more likely to report suicidal thoughts than those who slept well.
Socioeconomic disadvantage stood out as the strongest factor identified. Adolescents from disadvantaged backgrounds were up to 8.7 times more likely to experience suicidal thoughts than their peers from higher socioeconomic groups, a finding consistent with earlier research.
“Socioeconomic disadvantage is complex, involving access to resources, health services and financial pressures, and more research is needed to understand how these factors interact to increase suicide risk,” Ms Crethar said.
The study also found that young people reporting higher psychological distress were 5.7 times more likely to experience suicidal ideation. Poor eating habits were likewise linked to elevated risk.
Ms Crethar said the results pointed to a layered mix of biological, psychological and social influences shaping adolescent mental health. “Suicide is the leading cause of death amongst Australian adolescents. It’s crucial we understand the risk factors that contribute to suicidal ideation and how they relate,” she said.
‘Poor sleep emerged as quite a significant risk factor. There’s been little research to date that’s explored this link over an extended period of adolescence’
She cautioned against reading the findings as proof of direct cause. “We can’t say any of these factors by themselves are causal—even if there’s clearly some relationship there. Some of the relationships could also be a two-way street. For example, suicidal thoughts might contribute to poorer sleep, eating and psychological distress,” she said.
“But through research like this, we can try to create a better risk profile that can be tailored to an individual’s experiences, environment and circumstances.”
Daniel Hermens, UniSC Professor of Youth Mental Health and Neuroscience, said the study underlined the role families, schools and health professionals can play in prevention.
“This research reinforces the importance of awareness around risk factors associated with suicidal ideation and conversations about them,” Professor Hermens said.
“Parents and schools can help by encouraging healthy sleep routines and being open to talking about mental health. Asking a young person if they are struggling or having thoughts of suicide does not increase risk—it can be the first step to getting help.
“We need to break down stigma and make these conversations normal.”
The findings form part of the Longitudinal Adolescent Brain Study, which tracks the same group of adolescents over five years, recording brain development alongside changes in mental health.
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