Caregiver Experiences of Adolescent School Reentry After Adolescent Hospitalization Due to Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Recommendations to Improve Reentry Practices

Bibliographic Data

ID21353980
AuthorsJuliana L Vanderburg (0000-0001-9283-0842, School Psychology Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Education, Chapel Hill, NC University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine Chapel Hill NC), Amanda C Tow (0000-0002-2317-6688, Department of Psychiatry University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine Chapel Hill NC), Marisa E Marraccini (0000-0002-7965-3703, School Psychology Program University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Education Chapel Hill NC), Cari Pittleman (School Psychology Program University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Education Chapel Hill NC), Christina M Cruz (0000-0003-4466-1487, School Psychology Program, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Education, Chapel Hill, NC University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine Chapel Hill NC, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume93
Issue3
Pages206-218
Publication date2023-03-01
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of School Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0022-4391 • E-ISSN: 1746-1561
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/josh.13291
PMID36575594
OpenAlexW4313236698
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited33

BACKGROUND: Suicide rates among adolescents increased over the past few decades. Following psychiatric hospitalization, many adolescents return to school, a context that can influence recovery. Families can play an integral role in supporting adolescents through the hospitalization and school reentry process; however, little research has focused on family experiences during adolescent school reentry. Grounded in ecological systems theory, the aim of the present study was to explore the experiences of caregivers whose children were hospitalized for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) and provide recommendations for the school reentry process. METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with caregivers (n = 19) whose adolescents returned to school following hospitalization for suicide-related crises. Researchers analyzed the transcribed interviews using applied thematic analysis. RESULTS: Themes emerged regarding academic difficulties during hospitalization; breakdowns in communication between schools, families, and hospitals; logistical challenges during the school reentry planning process; and challenges navigating peer relationships and academics following school reentry. IMPLICATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: Few reentry recommendations account for the specific challenges faced by families. Recommendations informed by caregiver experiences are needed to ensure that families can effectively support the recoveries of their children. This study presents caregiver-informed recommendations to facilitate an improved reentry process for caregivers and adolescents.

Context (archaeology) · Medical emergency · Poison control · Psychiatry · Qualitative research · Reentry · Sociology · Suicide prevention · Thematic analysis · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Medicine · Psychology · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies · Youth Substance Use and School Attendance

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