Abstract
Objective
Examine social media experiences of the suicidal adolescent presenting to the Emergency
Department with an acute mental health crisis.
Methods
We used qualitative interviews to obtain in-depth understanding of both negative and
positive impacts of social media use on acute adolescent suicidal behavior. A bilingual
transcriptionist transcribed audio recordings. Three investigators independently reviewed
transcripts to identify themes and develop initial coding scheme through “open coding.”
Using grounded theory, data collection proceeded along with cultivation of themes
until thematic saturation was achieved. Thematic saturation was determined when no
new themes were generated from the data. Data were coded in Dedoose software to facilitate
reporting of themes and quotes. Techniques to ensure trustworthiness included iterative
data collection, use of a coding framework, and multiple coders.
Results
Seventeen interviews were conducted from May to October 2020. Median participant age
was 15 years. Twenty-four percent were of Hispanic ethnicity and 82% identified as
cisgender. Major themes include distraction from negative emotions; facilitated communication
resulting in improved social connectedness; metric of connectedness; comparison of
self to others; and desensitization and normalization to suicidal acts. Minor theme
of increased time on social media is also discussed. These themes echoed components
of current suicide theory.
Conclusion
Acutely suicidal adolescents report social media experiences that reflect themes of
social alienation and learned capacity for suicidal acts. Themes echo components of
current suicide theory. Our participants also reported positive uses of social media.
These protective experiences should be leveraged to inform strategies to interrupt
behaviors leading to acute suicidality.
What's New
This study brings to the literature direct accounts of suicidal adolescents and their
lived experiences with social media at the point of a mental health emergency. These
experiences can inform strategies to interrupt behaviors leading to suicidality.
Keywords
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
September 26,
2022
Received in revised form:
September 21,
2022
Received:
March 24,
2022
Publication stage
In Press Journal Pre-ProofIdentification
Copyright
© 2022 Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of Academic Pediatric Association
