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Faculty Publication: Assistant Professor of Social Work Carolina Hausmann-Stabile

September 26, 2019

Trajectories of Well-Being Among Latina Adolescents Who Attempt Suicide: A Longitudinal Qualitative Analysis

Authors: Gulbas, LE; Guz, S; Hausmann-Stabile, C; Szlyk, HS; Zayas, LH

Source: QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH, 29 (12):1766-1780; SI 10.1177/1049732319837541 OCT 2019

Publication Type: Article

Abstract: Significant research questions persist regarding the short- and long-term outcomes of Latina adolescents who attempt suicide. To address these limitations, we utilize an ecodevelopmental framework to identify potential factors that shape differential outcomes following a suicide attempt. Through an exploratory, longitudinal, qualitative research design, we investigate two research questions: How do trajectories of well-being vary among Latina teens after a suicide attempt? What risk and protective factors might contribute to different trajectories? We conducted qualitative interviews with 17 Latina participants living in predominantly low-income households in New York City. Interviews took place within the 6 months following their suicide attempts, and again, 12 months later. Analysis revealed three distinct trajectories after a suicide attempt: resilience, tenuous growth, and chronic stress. Our findings elucidate potential factors that contribute to resilience following a suicide attempt and underscore the importance of prevention and intervention programs that foster adolescents’ connectivity across ecodevelopmental contexts.

Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research