A qualitative study of young people's lived experiences of suicide and self‐harm: intentionality, rationality and authenticity

Author:

Marzetti Hazel12ORCID,McDaid Lisa23,O'Connor Rory2

Affiliation:

1. School of Health in Social Science University of Edinburgh Edinburgh UK

2. University of Glasgow Glasgow UK

3. The University of Queensland Australia Brisbane Queensland Australia

Abstract

BackgroundSuicide is a leading cause of death amongst young people and a major public health concern. Although increasing research has identified contributory and protective factors affecting youth suicide, less is known about how young people make sense of suicidal distress themselves.MethodsUsing semi‐structured interview methods and reflexive thematic analysis, this study explores how 24 young people aged 16–24 in Scotland, UK made sense of their lived experiences of suicidal thoughts and feelings, self‐harm, and suicide attempts.ResultsIntentionality, rationality, and authenticity formed our central themes. Suicidal thoughts were categorised by participants dependent on their intention to act on them; a distinction often used to downplay the significance of early suicidal thoughts. Escalating suicidal feelings were then described as almost rational responses to adversities; whereas suicide attempts appeared to be described as more impulsive. These narratives seemed to be somewhat shaped by dismissive attitudes participants experienced in response to their suicidal distress, both from professionals and within their close networks. This impacted how participants articulated distress and asked for support.ConclusionSuicidal thoughts that participants articulated as lacking the intention to act could represent key opportunities for early clinical intervention to prevent suicide. In contrast, stigma, difficulties communicating suicidal distress and dismissive attitudes could serve as barriers to seeking help, and, therefore, additional efforts should be made to ensure young people feel comfortable seeking help.

Funder

Chief Scientist Office

Publisher

Wiley

Subject

Psychiatry and Mental health,Pediatrics, Perinatology and Child Health

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