Citation

Vanderburg JL, Tow AC, Marraccini ME, Pittleman C, Cruz CM. J. Sch. Health 2022; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2022, American School Health Association, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/josh.13291

PMID

36575594

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Suicide rates among adolescents increased over the past few decades. Following psychiatric hospitalization, many adolescents return to school, a context that can influence recovery. Families can play an integral role in supporting adolescents through the hospitalization and school reentry process; however, little research has focused on family experiences during adolescent school reentry. Grounded in ecological systems theory, the aim of the present study was to explore the experiences of caregivers whose children were hospitalized for suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) and provide recommendations for the school reentry process.

METHODS: In-depth interviews were conducted with caregivers (n = 19) whose adolescents returned to school following hospitalization for suicide-related crises. Researchers analyzed the transcribed interviews using applied thematic analysis.

RESULTS: Themes emerged regarding academic difficulties during hospitalization; breakdowns in communication between schools, families, and hospitals; logistical challenges during the school reentry planning process; and challenges navigating peer relationships and academics following school reentry.

IMPLICATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: Few reentry recommendations account for the specific challenges faced by families. Recommendations informed by caregiver experiences are needed to ensure that families can effectively support the recoveries of their children. This study presents caregiver-informed recommendations to facilitate an improved reentry process for caregivers and adolescents.

Language: en

Keywords

prevention; suicide; school adjustment; community-school collaboration; mental health services