The Psychology Centre

The Role of Dynamic Family Factors in the Development and Management of Suicidal Risk in Young People.

John Fitzgerald, Karma Galyer, Gavin Whiu, & Philippa Thomas

Project Duration:
July 2008 - February 2010

Our primary emphasis was on understanding families. Suicide risk provides the important context within which we are working.

Description of the Project:

The purpose of this project was to obtain data to enhance our understanding of the role of dynamic family factors in the development and management of suicidal risk. We wanted to understand what characteristics, dynamics and strategies distinguish those families who cope well with the threat of loss by suicide and demonstrate high resilience, from those that struggle. Specifically, are there family interaction patterns or practices which compound/mitigate risk? Are there family strategies which enhance psychological and social resilience and coping, and which contribute to better outcomes? To make this project more manageable we have elected to focus on youth up to the age of 24 years, although we are aware that a majority of completed suicides occur during adulthood.

To complete this project we talked with ...

• Families that had experienced the loss of a young (16-24 yrs) family member by suicide,
• Families where a young family member had attempted suicide, and
• Families where the young family members had no recognised mental health difficulties, and where there had been no suicidal thinking or behaviour.
• A number of mental health professionals who provide services to individuals and families who have been 'touched' by suicide.

A final report has been provided to Te Pou. It will be made available in the public domain in due course. In the meantime, we have provided access to the Executive Summary for those interested in the project.

Links:
www.tepou.co.nz