A pilot study evaluating a support programme for parents of young people with suicidal behaviour

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Psychology
• Public Health

Background:

• Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is a growing public health concern among young people in Ireland.
• Family dysfunction is linked to DSH, while positive family relationships offer protection.
• The SPACE program was developed to address the needs of parents and carers of young people with DSH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the SPACE program's effectiveness in reducing parental psychological distress.
• To assess the program's impact on parental reports of young people's difficulties.
• To measure changes in parental satisfaction and self-defined challenges and goals.

Main Methods:

• Forty-six parents of young people with self-harm ideation or behavior participated in an 8-week SPACE program.
• Data were collected immediately post-program and at a 6-month follow-up.
• A repeated measures design analyzed changes in parental wellbeing and child difficulties.

Main Results:

• Participants reported lower psychological distress and higher parental satisfaction immediately after the program.
• Improvements in parental wellbeing and satisfaction were maintained at 6-month follow-up.
• Parents reported fewer difficulties in their children post-program.

Conclusions:

• The SPACE program shows promise in supporting parents of young people with suicidal behavior.
• The program may lead to reduced parental reports of child difficulties.
• Further research with a randomized controlled trial is recommended.