Youth Suicide Attempts from the Perspective of Healthcare Professionals: A Qualitative Study, a Case of Turkey

Abstract

This study was aimed at determining why youth attempt suicides, what the causes of such attempts are, and what methods are used in suicide attempts from the perspective of emergency medicine and mental healthcare professionals. Healthcare professionals provide first aid and treatment for young people who have attempted suicide. In this study, the qualitative research method and phenomenological design were used. In the interviews, a semi-structured interview form was used. According to the participating healthcare professionals’ conclusions at the end of the study, youth is a trial and error period, young people do not always aim to die, they may attempt suicide for manipulative purposes or to call for help, and the method used in the suicide attempt may vary according to the purpose and sex. Healthcare professionals who participated in this study clearly stated that gender-based expectations cause suicide attempts in both male and female youth (both male and female youth to attempt suicide). It is recommended that in future studies, the focus should be on the opinions and experiences of all professionals working in the field of suicide attempts, and that gender-based experiences that may lead youth to attempt suicide should be further addressed.