Concept mapping school personnel perceptions of adolescent suicide and its prevention

The present study attempted to ascertain school staff perceptions of the perceived causes of adolescent suicide prevention and suicide prevention strategies. A free response methodology was used to develop 88 unique perceived causes of suicide items and 80 unique suicide prevention strategy items. Concept Mapping methodology was used with 46 participants to sorts these items into similar groups and rate them on Likert Scales across several dimensions. The perceived causes of suicide items were rated across the dimensions of frequency and controllability. The suicide prevention strategy items were rated across the dimensions of accessibility and stress reduction. A 5 cluster concept map was developed for both the perceived causes and prevention strategy lists. Pattern Matches, to assess consistency of responses, among several variables were conducted. Findings are reported and discussion is offered.