Parallel Communication and Problem Solving With Young People on Suicidality

This paper is based on suicide prevention forums undetaken with 475 undergraduate university, college, & high school students in Tasmania, Australia in 1995 & 1996. The forums focussed on parallel thinking (as opposite to critical-negative thinking), exploration, creativity, & pro-activism by the students for applicable solutions in the school, peer, family, & community environments to lower suicidality. Parallel thinking was employed to offer a way forward for young people to enhance their future quality of life. These joint explorations, leading to various applied activities, provide a framework for other schools to follow. They also offer recommendations that can be applied throughout Australia & in other post-industrial societies to lower the rate of suicide ideation & attempts among young people. (36 refs.)