Adolescent Perceptions of a Suicide Prevention Group on an Inpatient Unit

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to present a psychoeducational suicide prevention group for psychiatrically hospitalized suicidal adolescents, and explore participant perceptions of the strengths and weaknesses of this group therapy experience using archival data. Over the course of approximately three years, 250 adolescents admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit attended the suicide prevention group. Almost all adolescents indicated that they learned something helpful in the group that would keep them from attempting suicide in the future. The creation of a “Reasons To Live List” was reported as most helpful by adolescents while the creation of a “Safety List” was deemed least helpful. However, some differences did emerge as a function of history of prior suicidal behavior. Recommendations for future treatment research with suicidal adolescent psychiatric inpatients are offered.