Infusing the trauma-informed approach in youth suicide research: Lessons from the field.

Abstract

Adolescent suicide is a serious public health problem in Chile. Given the high prevalence of suicidal behaviors and suicide, youth suicide researchers must approach participants, families, and communities with care. Special attention must be given to suicide-related trauma among survivors of suicidal behaviors and of suicide. In this article, we discuss how investigators can infuse the trauma-informed model in their work. Our discussion is organized around research stages and tasks: study design, recruitment, data collection and analysis, and care for the research team. We illustrate the integration of the trauma-informed (TI) model key elements and principles with examples from our work in youth suicide research. We posit that infusing the TI model in research aligns with the ethical mandate of beneficence. Our goal is to help other researchers reflect on how to design and implement TI informed research that is attuned to participants, staff, and communities. Public Policy Relevance StatementSuicide is the leading cause of death among Chilean adolescents. This manuscript highlights lessons learned from the design and implementation of public funded trauma-informed school-based suicidal behaviors study in Chile. Our findings support the need to implement trauma-informed suicide research in communities affected by high rates of suicidal behaviors and suicide.A dolescent suicide and suicidal behaviors are a serious public health concern in Chile. Suicide is the leading cause of death among youth between the ages of 15 and 24 years (Araya, 2019). Chile's youth suicide prevalence of 10.3 suicides per 100,000 youth is among the highest in the world (UNICEF Office of Research, 2017). The suicide rate for people ages 15-19 years increased from 8.6 to 12.9 for every 100,000 people between 2000 and 2010 (Araya, 2019). The findings of international studies describe a similar pattern. For example, the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development ( 2015) reported that the deaths by suicide among Chilean teens increased from 4.9 to 10.8 between 2000 and 2011. With variations by geographic area and year of data collection, between 15% and 57% of teens surveyed reported suicidal ideation, and between 5% and 25% reported life time prevalence of suicide attempts (

Maintaining Safety While Discussing Suicide: Trauma Informed Research in an Online Focus Groups

“…This can be amplified in rural communities, as there is an acknowledged stigma toward mental illness and/or help seeking. However, learning about the experience of those with present or past suicidal ideation and/or those who have lost a person or people to suicide enhances understanding, informs future practice, guides prevention efforts, generates effective interventions, and, most importantly, gives voice to those with lived experience (Biddle et al, 2013; Gibson et al, 2013; Lakeman & Fitzgerald, 2009; Legerski & Bunnell, 2010; Quijada et al, 2021).…”

“…Trauma can result from a spectrum of experiences including war, natural disasters, abuse, neglect, to witnessing violence, betrayal, and relational dynamics and can vary in intensity from one person to the next (Isobel, 2021; Nonomura et al, 2020; SAMHSA, 2014). Suicidal behaviors are traumatizing experiences because they threaten “physical integrity and life” (Quijada et al, 2021, p. 580) and death by suicide is traumatizing for the survivors (Hibberd et al, 2010).…”

Trauma-Informed Approach to Qualitative Interviewing in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Research

“…Quijada et al (2021) provided suggestions for incorporating TIA in different phases of suicide-related research highlighting the importance of remaining attuned to trauma reactions and preventing re-traumatization. To our knowledge, currently there are no trauma-informed guidelines for NSSI research.…”

“…We also value the importance of recognizing intersectionality among participants' identities and acknowledging lived histories of trauma in participant stories. Quijada et al (2021) provided suggestions for incorporating TIA in different phases of suicide-related research highlighting the importance of remaining attuned to trauma reactions and preventing re-traumatization. To our knowledge, currently there are no trauma-informed guidelines for NSSI research.…”

Incorporating a trauma‐informed perspective in HIV‐related research with transgender and gender diverse individuals

“…A trauma‐informed, trans‐sensitive environment is essential for staff and participants in any TGD‐related study. All staff should be trained in understanding trauma and its impacts [ 5 ]. It is important that staff avoid stigmatizing language [ 6 ] and use gender‐affirming language and materials during interactions with participants.…”