Which factors contribute to the increased risk of teenage suicide?

• A. Genetic predisposition only
• B. A teenager's history, emotional and physical health, social pressures, and access to the methods necessary
• C. School performance alone
• D. Family income alone

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is that teenage suicide risk arises from multiple interacting factors, not a single cause. A teen’s risk is shaped by their personal history (such as previous suicide attempts or a family history of mental health issues), their current emotional and physical health (for example, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, or trauma), the social pressures they face (like bullying, peer relationship problems, family conflict, or stress around identity), and whether they have access to the means to act on suicidal thoughts (such as firearms or other lethal means). When these elements come together, the risk rises more than it would from any one factor alone.

This is why the option that lists these connected factors is the best fit; it reflects the real-world complexity of risk. In contrast, focusing on genetic predisposition only ignores how environment and circumstances contribute; emphasizing school performance alone misses health and social contexts; and citing family income alone overlooks history, health, and access to means.