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JRHMS 2025, 4(1): 63-73 |
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Rajabali Z, Salimi H, Fereidooni S, Azarbakhsh H, Shokrgozar A. Lived experiences of parents of adolescents with behavioral and emotional disorders following a suicide attempt: A qualitative study in hospitals affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. JRHMS 2025; 4 (1) :63-73
URL: http://jrhms.thums.ac.ir/article-1-147-en.html
URL: http://jrhms.thums.ac.ir/article-1-147-en.html
Zahra Rajabali1 
, Hadis Salimi2 , Samad Fereidooni3 , Habibollah Azarbakhsh4 , Alireza Shokrgozar *5
, Hadis Salimi2 , Samad Fereidooni3 , Habibollah Azarbakhsh4 , Alireza Shokrgozar *5
1- Karaj University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
2- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3- Mental Health Unit, Vice-Chancellery for Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
4- Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
5- Department of clinical and health psychology, Ka.C, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
2- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
3- Mental Health Unit, Vice-Chancellery for Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
4- Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
5- Department of clinical and health psychology, Ka.C, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
Abstract: (7 Views)
Adolescence is a critical developmental period during which behavioral and emotional disorders can significantly increase vulnerability to self-harm and suicide attempts. In these circumstances, parents are often the first to observe warning signs, playing a pivotal role in help-seeking and recovery. Understanding their lived experiences is essential for informing family-centered prevention and intervention strategies. This study aimed to explore parents’ lived experiences of the consequences of behavioral and emotional disorders among adolescents who attempted suicide.A qualitative study with a descriptive phenomenological design was conducted. Participants were 48 parents of adolescents aged 12–18 years who had attempted suicide and were either hospitalized in centers affiliated with Shiraz University of Medical Sciences or received psychiatric emergency services. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews (45–90 minutes) and analyzed using Colaizzi’s method. Credibility and rigor were ensured through member checking and peer debriefing.Prior to the suicide attempt, many parents had noticed changes such as social withdrawal, irritability, declining academic performance, and increased family conflict; however, these behaviors were often interpreted as normative adolescent fluctuations. The suicide attempt was characterized as an overwhelming emotional crisis marked by shock, fear, guilt, and elevated family tension. Higher levels of mental health literacy and stronger perceived social support were associated with lower parental distress, whereas structural and cultural barriers to accessing mental health care intensified their struggles.Enhancing parental mental health literacy, strengthening family communication, and reducing systemic barriers to mental health services may play a vital role in preventing recurrence and supporting families through the aftermath of a suicide attempt.
Keywords: Adolescent suicide attempt, Behavioral and emotional disorders, Parents, Lived experience, Qualitative study, Phenomenology, Iran
Type of Study: Orginal Article |
Subject:
General
Received: 2026/05/10 | Accepted: 2026/05/10 | Published: 2026/05/23
Received: 2026/05/10 | Accepted: 2026/05/10 | Published: 2026/05/23
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