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Family needs following the suicide of a teenager: A multiple case study

David P Miers, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Abstract

There is a need for research on parents who have lost a teenager to suicide. Research studies focusing on the self-reported needs for assistance following suicide are scarce. Exploring families who have lost a teenager will help us in obtaining a better understanding of parents perceived needs and what services are helpful and not helpful. The objective of this multiple case study was to develop an understanding of families needs following the suicide of a teenager. A total of six parent (s) units living in Nebraska who have lost a teenager to suicide, were interviewed. For this study, parent (s) was defined as a single parent or married couple. It was requested that both parents participate but if only one parent was able to participate the research continued. Teenager suicide is defined as a teenager between the ages of 13-19 intentionally taking his/her own life. Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed for identification and review of common themes. Participants in the present study indicated several key themes that describe parent's needs following the suicide of a teenager. These needs are: Support by listening and responding, support from another suicide survivor, support in finding direction, support in seeing the teen, support in remembering the teen, and support in giving back. The research findings present implications for mental health professionals, first responders, suicide survivor intervention teams, and support networks.

Subject Area

Social psychology|Social work|Public health

Recommended Citation

Miers, David P, "Family needs following the suicide of a teenager: A multiple case study" (2010). ETD collection for University of Nebraska-Lincoln. AAI3397416.
https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dissertations/AAI3397416

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