Understanding the Impact of Peer Suicide: Insights for Practitioners
The recent study titled "Exposure to Suicide in High Schools: Impact on Serious Suicidal Ideation/Behavior, Depression, Maladaptive Coping Strategies, and Attitudes toward Help-Seeking" provides critical insights into the psychological effects of a peer's suicide on high school students. As practitioners working with children, understanding these impacts can significantly enhance our ability to support affected students and improve outcomes.
Key Findings from the Study
The study, conducted across twelve high schools in New York State, involved 2865 students from schools where a suicide had occurred and 2419 from schools without such incidents. The primary aim was to assess whether exposure to a schoolmate's suicide leads to increased psychological morbidity, such as serious suicidal ideation or depression, and to evaluate students' coping and help-seeking attitudes.
- No Excess Morbidity: The study found no significant increase in serious suicidal ideation or depression among the general student population in schools where a suicide occurred. However, students with recent negative life events were at a higher risk of serious suicidal ideation/behavior.
- Friendship and Risk: Interestingly, it was not the closest friends of the decedent who were at the highest risk of serious suicidal ideation, but rather those who were friends but not close friends.
- Help-Seeking Attitudes: Students in schools with a suicide showed more adaptive attitudes toward help-seeking, suggesting a potential positive shift in recognizing the importance of seeking support.
Implications for Practitioners
These findings highlight several areas where practitioners can focus their efforts:
- Targeted Support: It is crucial to provide targeted support to students experiencing negative life events, as they are more vulnerable to serious suicidal ideation/behavior following exposure to a peer's suicide.
- Expand Support Networks: While close friends of the decedent often receive support, practitioners should also reach out to less close friends who may be at higher risk.
- Encourage Help-Seeking: Reinforcing positive attitudes towards help-seeking can be a protective factor. Practitioners should encourage open discussions about mental health and provide resources for students to seek help.
Encouraging Further Research
While this study provides valuable insights, it also opens the door for further research. Understanding the long-term effects of exposure to suicide and the role of school-based interventions can help refine postvention strategies. Practitioners are encouraged to engage with ongoing research and contribute to the development of evidence-based practices.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Exposure to Suicide in High Schools: Impact on Serious Suicidal Ideation/Behavior, Depression, Maladaptive Coping Strategies, and Attitudes toward Help-Seeking.
