Abstract:
In New Zealand high rates of suicidal behaviour in young people have been of particular concern over the last decade. Developing treatment interventions for this population is a priority for mental health services. To date, however, there is little research evidence about the type of mental health interventions that may lead to improved outcomes for adolescents and their families. This study represents a step towards addressing this gap in the suicide prevention literature. The participants were 10 adolescents (aged 14- 19 years), who had been referred to a Community Mental Health Centre as a result of their suicidal behaviour, their parents and therapists. The parents’ perspectives were considered important because adolescents, at this developmental stage in life, continue to be dependent. Therapists provided a professional interpretation of the factors that contribute to both the development and resolution of problems for young people. Separate semi-structured interviews were conducted with all participants regarding their experience of therapy. Follow-up interviews were conducted with the adolescents to understand how they perceived the changes that had occurred over time. Qualitative methodology was used to explore the participants’ experience of the adolescents’ suicidal behaviour and their journey towards recovery. The methodological approach involved both descriptive and thematic analyses of the data. The thematic analysis was informed by Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis which is primarily concerned with the meanings that individuals attribute to their experiences. The emergent theme was that the adolescents’ suicidal behaviour was an attempt by them to exert some control in their life at a time when many aspects of their life were beyond their control. All participants identified factors, both within and outside therapy, which contributed to improved outcomes for the adolescents. These ranged from therapeutic interventions to family dynamics to community supports. This study high lights the paradoxical nature of adolescent suicidal behaviour, the confusion this creates for all involved and the challenges inherent in providing treatment for this at-risk population. These findings have implications for therapists, mental health agencies and community professionals. Recommendations include the need to base therapy on the meaning of the suicidal behaviour to the adolescent, to provide a balance between individual and family therapy and to increase the number of specialist adolescent mental health care professionals.