NCJ Number
127677
Journal
Journal of Adolescent Research Volume: 6 Issue: 1 Dated: special issue (January 1991) Pages: 113-131
Date Published
1991
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This article discusses the grieving process of adolescent suicide survivors, and the implementation of a suicide postvention program in the schools.
Abstract
Because suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents, it is important to deal with possible physical and emotional effects on the adolescent survivor, particularly in the school setting. Unresolved bereavement can lead to ongoing mental health problems including substance abuse, deviant identity, psychosomatic illnesses, accidents, and school or career failure. Possible feelings and reactions in a grieving process specific to suicide survivors are outlined for the first few hours, two to six months, and three months to one year after the death. Factors to consider in implementing a postvention program include contagion aspects of a suicide, immediate crisis response, and long-term follow-up. The school should be sensitive to the surviving adolescent's needs, whether mildly upset or severely depressed. Individual counseling with a trained mental health professional is advised for those adolescents who indicate a need. 1 table and 77 references (Author abstract modified)