Concerns most important to parents after their child's suicide attempt: A pilot study and collaboration with a rural mental health facility

J Child Adolesc Psychiatr Nurs. 2019 May;32(2):61-67. doi: 10.1111/jcap.12234. Epub 2019 Apr 9.

Abstract

Problem: Little is known of the needs of parents after their child has made a suicide attempt. The goal of this research was to create and pilot an acceptable and effective survey for parents whose child has made a suicide attempt so that their needs and concerns are known.

Method: The Social-Ecological Model was used as a framework to better understand the problem of adolescent suicide from the parent perspective. Collaboration with interdisciplinary staff at a rural mental health facility in the United States occurred to create and pilot the survey tool with content and practice experts validating the survey questions.

Findings: Five parents completed the pilot survey. Results showed that parents have unmet needs after their child's suicide attempt; reporting the need to ensure safety for their child and the need for understanding how to help their child. Parents stated interest in attending a focus group to discuss their needs and noted transportation and childcare being primary barriers to attending a focus group.

Conclusion: Results from this research will inform the planning focus groups of parents whose child has made suicide attempt.

Keywords: adolescent; parent; suicide attempt.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Community-Based Participatory Research*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intersectoral Collaboration*
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services*
  • Middle Aged
  • Parent-Child Relations*
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Pilot Projects
  • Rural Health Services*
  • Suicide, Attempted / psychology*