Community Case Managers’ Experiences of Overcoming Suicide Crises among Late Adolescents in South Korea

Abstract

Purpose: Various intervention strategies are needed to reduce the suicide rate among late adolescents. Therefore,we aimed to investigate the factors that can help overcome suicidal tendencies in late adolescents from theperspective of case managers. Methods: This qualitative study explored the reinforcing factors that can helpovercome suicidal behaviors in late adolescents, by conducting focus group interviews with case managers fromthe local community. Interviews with 10 case managers were recorded and transcribed, and the data were analyzedusing the content analysis method. Results: The main theme of this study was “a step in a new direction”. Threecategories were derived: “inner changes”, “another possibility opened up by the interest of significant others”, and“connecting with community resources to help overcome”. Each category had subcategories that influenced theintention and course of action of behaviors to overcome the suicide crises. Conclusion: Our findings, from theexploration of the experiences of case managers, provide an in-depth understanding of the reinforcing factors forovercoming suicide among late adolescents. They provide useful preliminary data for the development of effectivesuicide prevention programs for the adolescents.