Qualitative Content Analysis of Coping Strategies among Adolescents with Suicidal Thoughts

Background: Adolescence can be a critical period during which individuals begin to cope with self-harm behaviors, and the increasing prevalence of suicide and suicidal attempts in this period is quite tangible in different communities. Given the lack of awareness concerning tolerance strategies in individuals with suicidal behavior, we investigated coping strategies in adolescents with suicidal thoughts. Methods: This qualitative research was conducted during January and February 2019 in which we used the method of qualitative content analysis. In this study, 17 adolescents with suicidal ideation referred to Larestan welfare centers, Fars province were interviewed. In addition, one psychologist and 17 parents of the adolescents participated in this research. Purposeful sampling was done. Data collection continued through semi-structured deep interviews until data saturation. Results: Two main themes, namely effective coping strategies with 16 sub-themes and ineffective coping strategies with 12 subthemes were extracted from the data. Conclusions: It was concluded that using appropriate plans to strengthen positive strategies in adolescents, providing them with new positive strategies, and omitting negative strategies can be conducive to preventing suicidal thoughts.