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Teen Suicide and the Outcomes of Surviving Peers

Author

Listed:
  • Emily Cuddy
  • Janet Currie
  • Elisa Jácome
  • Lucy Manly

Abstract

By age 17, a quarter of U.S. students have experienced a peer suicide. Using linked administrative data from South Carolina and a matched difference-in-differences design, we find that exposure to a peer's self-harm death increases the probability of a self-harm diagnosis by nearly 50% and both the incidence and frequency of mental health visits. Effects on care use and criminal behavior are concentrated among white boys, and responses diverge by prior mental health history: students without a prior diagnosis increase felony offending rather than care-seeking. Deaths from assault and transportation accidents produce no comparable rise in self-harm, consistent with contagion.

Suggested Citation

  • Emily Cuddy & Janet Currie & Elisa Jácome & Lucy Manly, 2026. "Teen Suicide and the Outcomes of Surviving Peers," NBER Working Papers 35603, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:35603
    Note: CH EH
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior
    • J13 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Fertility; Family Planning; Child Care; Children; Youth
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law

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