ABSTRACTFindings are reported concerning the hypothesized relationship between adoption of suicidal responses (ideation, threats, attempts) and antecedent negative self‐attitudes. Data were provided by junior high school student (N= 3,148) responses to questionnaires administered three times at annual intervals. Antecedent negative self‐attitudes were measured by a seven‐item self‐derogation scale at the first testing. Adoption of suicidal responses was indicated by earlier denial and subsequent affirmation of the response (self‐reports). Findings indicate that suicidal behaviors are responses (whether or not subsequently continued) to experiences of negative self‐attitudes in the more recent past. However, whether or not suicidal behaviors are related to self‐derogating feelings in the more remote past can be seen as a function of a sex‐social‐class‐mode of suicidal r