Publication Date

12-2-2021

Document Type

Essay

First Advisor

Rossetti, Jeanette

Degree Name

B.S. (Bachelor of Science)

Legacy Department

School of Nursing

Abstract

Problem: Initial interventions after the suicide of adolescents typically focus on those directly impacted by the death, however, little is known about the impact the suicide of a peer can have on adolescents, regardless of their relationship with the decedent. This study aims to understand how peer suicide has affected adolescents and to find resources that would help address their future mental health concerns. Method: A qualitative study was conducted consisting of interviews with four adults between the ages of 20 to 23 and six questions were asked of the participants surrounding their experiences with peer suicide during adolescence. Findings: There were initial feelings of shock, sadness, and disbelief in the immediate period after the suicide of a peer. Family and friends were the biggest factors in coping with the loss of a peer. The death by suicide of a peer emphasized the importance of mental health as a whole. Resources such as therapy, long-term follow-ups, and prevention efforts would have been beneficial after the suicide of a peer. Conclusion: Adolescents can use this information to assist in coping with the loss of a peer and nurses and other health care professionals can use this information to better address their patients’ mental health concerns when they have experienced a loss due to suicide.

Additional Files
Honors Capstone Final Paper with Rossetti Signature.pdf (152 kB)
Honor's Capstone Project Paper (152.3Kb)
Poster with Voice-Over.pptx (17970 kB)
Honor's Poster Day Conference Poster (17.54Mb)

Extent

14 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU capstones are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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