The Perspectives of Young Adults on Recovery From Repeated Suicide-Related Behavior

This qualitative grounded theory study sought to develop an understanding of how young adults, ages 18-25, who have a history of 2 or more suicide attempts, transition away from high-risk suicide-related behaviors. 16 young adults who had completed at least one cycle of intervention participated. The young adults described a pathway that included 3 major elements: “living to die”; ambivalence & tipping/turning points; & a process of recovery that included small steps or phases towards life. The journey was not always experienced as a steady movement forward, & the potential for relapse either in the young people’s behaviour or their wish to engage in their relationship with death could ebb & flow. (35 refs.)