Supporting young people with suicidal thoughts : bridging the gap between mainstream support and innovative approaches

Blunden, Sophie and Di Basilio, Daniela (2025) Supporting young people with suicidal thoughts : bridging the gap between mainstream support and innovative approaches. PhD thesis, Lancaster University.

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Abstract

This thesis is comprised of a systematic literature review, an empirical research paper and a critical appraisal. The systematic literature review explored healthcare professionals’ experiences of supporting adolescents with suicidal thoughts. Five databases were systematically searched, and 16 papers synthesised using meta-ethnography. Four themes emerged and findings highlighted three primary areas to be considered when understanding professionals’ experiences: (1) the adolescent’s world, (2) professionals as practitioners and people (3) organisational challenges. The fourth theme captured the systemic interaction of the three primary areas and its influence on the therapeutic relationship. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed. The empirical research paper explored experiences of peer support networks for suicidal thoughts during emerging adulthood. Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis was used to explore the experiences of thirteen participants. From the analysis, four themes were developed: (1) experience to understanding: a path to connection, acceptance and self- growth; (2) the emotional costs of peer support networks; (3) unseen and unheard: the desperation stemming from invalidating experiences; (4) empowerment through group-based, individualised support. The findings have been developed into a model illustrating young people’s journey into and through peer support networks. Implications for clinical practice are outlined, including the need for preventative support for young people and the integration of peer support within mainstream services to reduce risk of suicide. The critical appraisal summarises the systematic literature review and empirical research findings and discusses the clinical implications arising from both papers. In addition, the appraisal considers how the two papers complement one another, providing alternative perspectives on experiences of support for young people struggling with suicidal thoughts. Insight into the decision-making process and personal reflections on the process of completing this thesis are also discussed.