- Weakened family ties: conflicts and lack of affection increase adolescents' vulnerability to suicide attempts.
- Experiences of violence, bullying, racism and xenophobia contribute to psychological harm and heightened suicide risk.
- Invisibility of mental suffering: social isolation, body dissatisfaction, eating disorders and self-harm often remain unrecognised.
Rev Gaucha Enferm. 2026 Aug 28;47:e20250187. doi: 10.1590/1983-1447.2026.20250187.en. eCollection 2026.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To analyze the psychosocial circumstances surrounding adolescent suicide attempts, from the perspectives of the adolescents themselves, healthcare professionals, and CAPSij managers.
METHOD: A qualitative study grounded in dialectical hermeneutics, conducted through semi-structured interviews between January and December 2024 with 27 healthcare professionals, five CAPSij managers, and nine adolescents who had attempted suicide in a metropolitan area of southeastern Brazil. Bardin’s content analysis identified three categories: weakened family ties, experiences of violence, and the invisibility of mental suffering.
RESULTS: Participants indicated that female, Black and Brown adolescents were more vulnerable. Family relationships were marked by conflict and lack of affection. Adolescents reported experiencing physical, psychological, and sexual violence, bullying, racism, and xenophobia. Psychological suffering was evidenced by social isolation, body dissatisfaction, eating disorders, depressive symptoms, non-suicidal self-injury, and socio-emotional difficulties.
FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Adolescent suicide attempts are rooted in multiple psychosocial vulnerabilities, including fragile family ties, various forms of violence, and unacknowledged mental suffering. Nursing plays a key role in providing support and developing care strategies for adolescent survivors.
PMID:42690365 | DOI:10.1590/1983-1447.2026.20250187.en
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