Suicide rates among adolescent teenagers have been recorded at an all time high in the United States, with a steady climb still occurring. Experts in the field have addressed several "grey" areas and gaps within the research that might pertain to a possible explanation[s] of these alarmingly high rates.
The significance and sheer value of this study will allow experts within the field to address these gaps within the adolescent suicide rates/trends, in order to create more effective ways to help adolescent teens who may be struggling with suicide.
The current, end-result hypothesis is that high school institutions that have less suicide prevention programs, including evidence-based, compared to counterpart institutions, will see a higher adolescent suicide rate within that county.
Digital, self-administered questionnaires will be sent out towards participants and participating institutions, via email. Responses from participants will remain anonymous and confidential in an effort to protect privacy and identities of individuals and institutions.
Limited to the number of participants and participating institution's responses towards questionnaire, due to COVID-19.
Out of a total of 1,263 suicides, the adolescent age group is accountable for 14.81% of all total suicides in Washington State, 2019.
A deep dive of content analysis performed on legislation in Washington state, amongst the topic of requirements that institutions need to uphold regarding suicide prevention programs, shows progress across multiple segments.
Though data from the survey questionnaire did not provide sufficient enough information to further analyze the multitude of factors that could potentially have an impact on adolescent suicide rates, it raises the question if high school institutions, in Washington state, are only doing the bare minimum that is required by the state and OSPI, without regards to withholding student safety.
As stated in previous studies, more information is needed to conclude whether there are potential upsides to having a higher budget, and/or a combination of different types of evidence-based and non evidence-based suicide prevention programs.
Key Sources:
You and Your Family. Washington State Department of Health. https://www.doh.wa.gov/YouandYourFamily/InjuryandViolencePrevention/SuicidePrevention/DataandResources.
Resources and Programs. Resources and Programs | Suicide Prevention Resource Center. (1970, January 1). https://www.sprc.org/resources-programs.
Joe S, Bryant H. Evidence-Based Suicide Prevention Screening in Schools. Children & Schools. 2007;29(4):219. doi:10.1093/cs/29.4.219
What are the effects of different suicide prevention programs, within individual education institutions, and their impact on adolescent suicide.