A Comprehensive Analysis of Spiritual Interventions in the Prevention and Management of Student Suicide

Abstract

Background: Suicide is one of the most common high-risk behaviors in teenagers and young adults. In this regard, various solutions are implemented to prevent and treat this social concern. In the field of spiritual health and spiritual interventions in societies like Iran, which are generally mixed with religious values and beliefs, it is considered one of the most important priorities. Objectives: The main purpose of this study is an analysis of spiritual interventions in the prevention and management of student suicide and to propose practical national suggestions. Materials and Methods: Present investigation was conducted in three stages; through the first step, a systematic review of the texts was done. The second stage includes explaining the strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and suggestions for improving the interventions from the point of view of key informants and students. In the third stage, an expert panel was coordinated in order to consolidate the findings. Results: After checking the overlap and removing the duplicates, finally, thematic connection was made based on the titles, abstracts, and full texts of the articles and information was extracted from 15 papers. Generally, based on published documents, factors related to youth and adolescent suicide are classified into three categories: Demographic, environmental, and psychological factors. Studies have shown that people who have one or more risk factors are more likely to engage in suicidal behaviors. The categories related to causal conditions, background conditions, intervening factors, and common coping strategies were determined through content analysis. Following the panel of experts, the empowerment of at-risk groups and the provision of training needs assessment for the target groups was the most important priority. Conclusions: Vast advocacy, in youth and student groups, regarding the deep concepts of spiritual health plays an important role in the prevention of suicide. The main interventional priorities include: Emphasizing the role of spirituality in giving meaning to life, creating hope and motivation, and improving the individual in all aspects of health.