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The psycho-social impact of suicide is profound, as social systems are significantly affected by a single suicide. If no effective measures are taken, society may be heading for a dramatic rise in suicidal behaviour. The multi-faceted nature of suicide, a range of factors,which can be categorised into risk and protective factors, were found to contribute to suicide behaviour. This book explores risk and protective factors underlying adolescent suicide behaviour,including stressors experienced by adolescents that could contribute to increased suicide risk. As the first baseline data system established in this region of South Africa, this book analyses suicide behaviour from the vantage point of a mixed-method approached, seeking to enrich the meaning and interpretations made. This book thus provides the reader with a focused yet comprehensive view of adolescent functioning and areas they experienced as more challenging. The analysis should help shed some light on adolescent behaviour that should be especially useful to health professional, educators, parents and those working with adolescents.

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Ancel Andrew George is an academic staff member of the Department of Psychology, Faculty of Humanities, University of the Free State (UFS), South Africa. He received his four-year Nursing Diploma from Frere Nursing College, East London; BA- degree from UNISA; MA (Clinical Psychology) and PhD (Psychology) from UFS.

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