Suicide in children: Concept analysis using Rodgers's evolutionary approach

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Mental Health Research
• Developmental Psychology

Background:

• The definition of suicide in children and adolescents lacks consistency across disciplines and contexts.
• Varied conceptualizations of child and adolescent suicide impact prevention strategies and care delivery.
• Understanding these definitions is critical for mental health settings and community-based interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the antecedents, attributes, and consequences of suicide in children using an evolutionary concept analysis.
• To analyze temporal trends and geographic locations related to the concept of suicide in children.
• To provide a clearer conceptual definition of suicide in children and adolescents.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted using CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Medline databases.
• Google Scholar was utilized as a supplementary search tool.
• Rodgers's evolutionary method and thematic analysis were applied to 106 selected articles.

Main Results:

• Thematic analysis revealed three key themes: developmental perspectives, predictive factors for child suicide, and the emancipation of children as active societal agents.
• Recent literature indicates a shift towards valuing the perspectives of children and adolescents on suicide.
• Temporal and geographic trends in the conceptualization of child suicide were identified.

Conclusions:

• The conceptualization of suicide in children and adolescents is evolving, with increasing emphasis on developmental factors and the agency of young people.
• Clinical implications include tailoring interventions to developmental stages and acknowledging children's voices.
• Future research should continue to refine the concept of child and adolescent suicide, incorporating these evolving perspectives.