Physical or Sexual Abuse and Suicide
Increased stress levels, feeling hopeless and alone, being bullied, or experiencing repeated physical or sexual abuse could all be reasons why some adolescents consider suicide. Adolescent suicide has far-reaching consequences on families, friends, communities, and schools. For this Discussion, use the Parker Family case study to consider the indicators of suicide. While Stephanie is now an adult talking about her experience as a youth, image how you would have responded to her at the time she tried to kill herself in adolescence. Also think about how you might react to students in this situation if you were a social worker in a school.
By Day 3
Post your answer to the following:
- After learning about the character in the Parker Family case study, imagine that you were the school social worker at the time Stephanie attempted suicide as a teenager.
- Which indicators would you have looked for and why.
- How would you have responded to each of those indicators?
- What kinds of questions would you have asked and why?
References (use at least 2)
- [removed]Laureate Education (Producer). (2013). Parker family (Episode 3) [Video file]. In Sessions.
- Russell, S. T., & Joyner, K. (2001). Adolescent sexual orientation and suicide risk: Evidence from a natural study. American Journal of Public Health, 91(8), 1276–1281.
- [removed]Miers, D, Abbott, D., & Springer, P. R. (2012). A phenomenological study of family needs following the suicide of a teenager. Death Studies, 36(2), 118–133.
- Singer, J. B., & Slovak, K. (2011). School social workers’ experiences with youth suicidal behavior: An exploratory study. Children & Schools, 33(4), 215–228.