Peer-reviewed article

Lived experiences of adolescents attempted suicide: a phenomenological study.

Malekzadeh M, Mirzaee MS, Pendar R, Dasdar S · 19 Nov 2025

Abstract

Background Given the prevalence of suicidal thoughts and attempts during adolescence, this stage of life is critically important in assessing and evaluating suicide risk. This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of adolescents who have attempted suicide. Methods This qualitative study was conducted using an interpretive phenomenological approach. Nineteen participants were purposefully selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria until data saturation was reached. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using open-ended questions. MAXQDA software was used for data management, while Van Manen's six-step method was applied for data analysis. Results The main themes and their sub-themes included Antecedents (Before the Suicide Antecedents, During the Suicide Antecedents, and Post-Suicide Antecedents), Suicide Risk Factors (Individual Causes, Family Causes, Social, Cultural, and Environmental Causes, and Psychological Causes), Suicide Barriers (Psychological Barriers and Protective Factors), and Consequences (Physiological Consequences and Psychological Consequences). Conclusion The findings of this study indicate that adolescent suicide attempts are influenced by complex and multifaceted factors, including individual, familial, social, cultural, and psychological elements. Therefore, adopting multidimensional approaches and fostering collaboration among relevant institutions are essential to reducing adolescent suicide rates. Clinical trial number Not applicable.