Adolescent Perceptions of Teen Suicide

Implications from Focus Groups

Bibliographic Data

ID2329595
AuthorsErin R Orlins (0000-0001-7270-4136, Kent State University, OH, USA, corresponding author), Irina Bransteter (0009-0009-2982-7515, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA), Sheryl L Chatfield (0000-0002-0893-7469, Kent State University, OH, USA), Sheryl Chatfield (Kent State University)
Year2025
Volume57
Issue2
Pages191-210
Publication date2025-03-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueYouth & Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0044-118X • E-ISSN: 1552-8499
PublisherSAGE Publications Inc (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1177/0044118x241279873
OpenAlexW4402652085
LanguageEN
References cited22

Adolescent suicide is a growing public health concern. This research explores adolescent perceptions of suicide to identify potential focus areas for future prevention programming. This qualitative study utilized focus groups with 14 high school students. Thematic analysis was used to capture key concepts. Salient themes included: 'Deciding whether suicide risk is real,' which spoke to the challenge in interpretating suicide-referencing language, and 'Desire to engage in more conversations about mental health and suicide,' which suggested more potential benefit than detriment associated with explicit discussions with adolescents. Adolescents also identified the need for an alternative, 'in between' adult contact who is not a school-affiliated counselor or a parent. These findings suggest adolescents may benefit from suicide prevention programming that emphasizes exchange and dialogue rather than just didactic instruction. Adolescent concerns about confidentiality may be addressed through use of K-12 partnerships with universities for mental health services provision

Developmental psychology · Focus group · Injury prevention · Medical emergency · Perception · Poison control · Sociology · Suicide prevention · Child Welfare and Adoption · Clinical Psychology · Grief, Bereavement, and Mental Health · Human Factors and Ergonomics · Medicine · Psychology · Social Psychology · Suicide and Self-Harm Studies

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