Cultural Concepts and Themes of Suicidal Attempt Among Iranian Adolescents

BACKGROUND: Suicide attempts are more common among adolescents than other age groups. Although suicide is considered a worldwide problem, but the related factors, to suicidal behavior are different in various cultures. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to identify themes that explain suicide attempt process among adolescents in Iran. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a qualitative study carried out based on grounded theory. Key informants were 16 adolescents referred to two hospitals in Shiraz after suicide attempts. Also, 4 family members, a nurse, a psychologist, and a psychiatrist participated in this study. Sampling started with purposive sampling method and continued with theoretical sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured in-depth interviews. Data analysis was carried out using Strauss and Corbin approach and constant comparative method until the point of data saturation. RESULTS: Five main categories, including personal factors and life experiences; family factors, social and educational factors, psychological-emotional problems, and stress control strategies were extracted from the data. The central concept in the data was to escape the painful psychological condition, which was in connection with other concepts describing the process of suicide attempts in adolescents. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified 5 categories of concepts as main themes that can be used to explain suicidal attempt process among Iranian adolescents.