School Supports during Remote Learning due to COVID-19: Perspectives of Parents and Adolescents Previously Hospitalized for Suicide-related Risk
摘要
This study explored the perspectives of adolescents with a history of hospitalization for suicide-related crises (n = 28) and their parents (n = 30) on school-related supports and services during remote learning due to COVID-19. Participants completed an online survey exploring (1) the ways schools can support feelings of connectedness in students with suicidal thoughts and behaviors during remote practices, (2) successes and improvements for school-mental health supports delivery during remote practices, (3) ways students with past suicide-related crises coped when feeling upset, down, sad, or depressed during the pandemic, and (4) how schools can best support students who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts and behaviors during remote school instruction. Descriptive statistics (e.g., frequencies) were calculated to present quantitative data, and content analysis was used to qualitatively analyze text responses to open-ended questions in the survey. Overall, adolescents previously hospitalized for a suicide-related crisis and their parents viewed counseling services and academic accommodations favorably, calling for increased academic supports, improved communication practices, and attention to the psychosocial climate in the school. Findings reinforce the importance of school-family partnerships for supporting youth with suicidal thoughts and behaviors before and during times of stress.