Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

2025

Document Type

Dissertation - NSU Access Only

Degree Name

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Department

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice

Advisor

Linda Gaughan

Committee Member

Katrina Pann

Committee Member

Kimberly Durham

Keywords

child and adolescent suicide, suicide prevention, prevalence, mental health practitioners, screening tools, evidence-based interventions

Abstract

Suicide affects individuals of all ages; attempts at suicide are higher in youths when compared to adults. The largest recent increases in suicide attempts have been found among children between 10 and 14 years old. Through proper interventions and preventions, a reduction in adolescent suicidality can be achieved.

The overarching purpose was to hear directly from experienced mental health counselors and school psychologists about their preferred practices and interventions regarding the prevention of suicide among young adolescents. Four research questions were posed to learn about their recommended methods of counseling and interviewing, preferred screening tools, methods of monitoring and following up with adolescents at risk of suicide, and interventions to prevent suicide or attempts to die by suicide.

Following individual interviews with 17 participants, the researcher discerned patterns and themes in their responses. Themes included: (a) the importance of effective counseling practices with a strong evidence-base proven productive in working with adolescents' suicidality, (b) the importance of utilizing more than one assessment tool, (c) tailoring the monitoring to the specific needs of the adolescent and developing a comprehensive follow-up strategy, and (d) involving a team approach in supporting adolescents at-risk for suicide.

Expanding future research in multiple directions can improve our understanding and interventions to include: (a) experiences of other professionals, (b) rural and urban settings, (c) age and demographic groups, and (d) effective methods of sharing results so the most effective means of preventing self-harm or suicide are known. Additionally, researchers must better understand links between childhood and adolescent insecurities and protective factors.

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