Understanding the experiences of college student suicide attempt survivors: a consensual qualitative research exploration

Suicide among college students is a long-standing problem and has received considerable attention within the field of suicidology and beyond. The identification of risk and protective factors, theories related to college student suicide, and prevention, intervention and postvention efforts all reflect the solid basis of research that has been completed on college student suicide. In an attempt to further understand suicide among college students, the current study employed a novel methodological approach, one that explores suicide though college student suicide attempt survivors (N=7), and utilized a qualitative method for data analysis. The use of consensual qualitative research (CQR) was used as a way to gain a more in-depth understanding of the participants’ experiences (related to what led up to their attempts, what occurred in the aftermath of their attempts, and how the attempts have been integrated into their present day life). Results of the study built upon previous research and provided important implications for both the treatment of college student suicide attempt survivors (and other at-risk students) and suicide prevention efforts on college campuses. The study offered a new perspective and understanding on an old and complex phenomenon.