Graduation Semester and Year
Fall 2025
Language
English
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Social Work
Department
Social Work
First Advisor
Regina Praetorius
Second Advisor
Danielle Harrell
Third Advisor
Philip Baiden
Abstract
Suicide has become an increasingly common cause of death among U.S. children ages 10–14. In 2001, suicide accounted for 8% of deaths in this age group; by 2010 the proportion rose to 12%, and by 2020 it reached 22% (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020). Although factors such as adverse childhood experiences (Felitti et al., 1998; Jones et al., 2024), psychache (Shneidman, 1998), burdensomeness (Joiner, 2005; O’Connor, 2011), and hopelessness (Bat Tonkus et al., 2022; Qiu et al., 2017) are associated with suicide, these elements alone do not explain the significant rise in suicide deaths over the past two decades. This study sought to understand why suicide rates have increased from the perspective of clinicians who have worked with this population both before (2005) and after (2015) the increase observed in 2010. Using a qualitative phenomenological design, three clinicians (n = 3) participated in qualitative interviews averaging 50 minutes. Analysis revealed seven themes: early experiences, environment, normalization of mental health, reporting, social media, media portrayals of suicide, and safety planning. The essence of the phenomenon suggests that increased exposure to and destigmatization of mental health may paradoxically contribute to heightened suicide risk for youth. These findings underscore the importance of adults, particularly caregivers, being knowledgeable and comfortable discussing suicide with children.
Keywords
Suicide, Destigmatization, Phenomenology, Youth suicide, Mental health exposure
Disciplines
Child Psychology | Clinical Psychology | Counseling Psychology | Developmental Psychology | Development Studies | School Psychology | Social Psychology | Social Work
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Morris, Farley, "The Unintended Consequences of Normalization: Unmonitored Mental Health Discourse Among Youth and Suicide Risk" (2025). Social Work Theses. 218.
https://mavmatrix.uta.edu/socialwork_theses/218
Included in
Child Psychology Commons, Clinical Psychology Commons, Counseling Psychology Commons, Developmental Psychology Commons, Development Studies Commons, School Psychology Commons, Social Psychology Commons, Social Work Commons
Comments
This work would not have been possible without my thesis advisor, Dr. Regina Praetorius. Her professional guidance and personal compassion throughout this process have been invaluable. I am also grateful to my committee members, Dr. Danielle Harrell and Dr. Philip Baiden, for dedicating their time and expertise to helping me explore a true passion of mine. Thank you to each co-learner who allowed me to interview them. Your care for children and for the field of research is evident.
Thank you to my parents, Stephanie and Chris, for always encouraging me to explore my interests and empowering me to pursue the professional path that aligns with those interests. My sister Emily, you are my greatest source of social support.
Finally, to all the children who have shared their experiences with suicide, your bravery and vulnerability are what led me to this work.