Acoustic characteristics of speech in adolescents with suicidal attempt. Voice, speech and suicidal behaviour

Introduction: Suicide represents the second leading cause of death among adolescents. There are studies that link voice to suicidal risk. Methods: The research was conducted through a cross-sectional study, and the sample was selected through non-probability sampling, which included 40 adolescents between 16 and 19 years old from the city of Temuco. After the identification of suicidal attempts, the participants underwent voice and speech acoustic evaluation. Results: A parameter that showed differences was Jitter (p<0,05). As to the spontaneous speech tasks assessment, it was possible to observe differences in the formants concerning the vast majority of the vowels measured (p<0,05). Some voice and speech indicators differ depending on the group and the task requested. Conclusion: Therefore, these indicators might provide useful information for assessing suicidal behaviour.