Adolescent Perceptions of Teen Suicide: Implications from Focus Groups

Abstract

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.