Live or die? A Qualitative Inquiry of Suicidal Ambivalence Among Young Adult Suicide Attempt Survivors

Haelim Jeong; Hyunjin Noh; Anthony Fulginiti; Laura Hopson; Nahree Doh; Debra Nelson-Gardell

doi:10.1177/00302228261463885

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Live or die? A Qualitative Inquiry of Suicidal Ambivalence Among Young Adult Suicide Attempt Survivors

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Live or die? A Qualitative Inquiry of Suicidal Ambivalence Among Young Adult Suicide Attempt Survivors

Haelim Jeong, Hyunjin Noh, Anthony Fulginiti, Laura Hopson, Nahree Doh and Debra Nelson-Gardell

Omega: Journal of Death and Dying

06/22/2026

DOI: 10.1177/00302228261463885

PMID: 42331018

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Abstract

Suicidal ambivalence, the co-occurring desire to live and die is widely discussed in clinical practice yet remains understudied in empirical research. This qualitative study explored how young adult suicide attempt survivors understand and experience suicidal ambivalence. Using a phenomenological approach, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 young adult suicide attempt survivors between the ages of 18 and 29. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Five themes emerged across two areas. First, participants described suicidal ambivalence as a (1) internal conflict (2) a dynamic process, and (3) a source of comfort. Second, their experiences were characterized by (4) conflicting desires between life and death and (5) feelings of numbness. Suicidal ambivalence was seen as a dynamic psychological process that holds the tension between life and death. Future research should investigate how suicidal ambivalence can serve as a protective factor to serve as a potential entry point for crisis intervention.

suicidal ambivalence

qualitative research

suicide attempt survivors

young adults

lived experience

Details

Title: Subtitle: Live or die? A Qualitative Inquiry of Suicidal Ambivalence Among Young Adult Suicide Attempt Survivors
Creators: Haelim Jeong - University of Iowa
Hyunjin Noh - University of Alabama
Anthony Fulginiti - University of Denver
Laura Hopson - University of Alabama
Nahree Doh - University of Alabama
Debra Nelson-Gardell - University of Alabama
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Omega: Journal of Death and Dying
DOI: 10.1177/00302228261463885
PMID: 42331018
NLM abbreviation: Omega (Westport)
ISSN: 1541-3764
eISSN: 1541-3764
Publisher: Sage
Grant note: The University of Alabama
The authors disclosed receipt of the following financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article: This study was supported by The University of Alabama, Graduate School through the Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship.
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 06/22/2026
Academic Unit: School of Social Work; Center for Social Science Innovation
Record Identifier: 9985175352202771

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