PROTECTIVE FACTORS AGAINST SUICIDE IN ADOLESCENCE

Abstract

This work investigates the protective factors against suicide in adolescence, an issue of growing social and public health concern due to the alarming increase in suicide rates in this age group. Adolescence is a period marked by intense transformations, making young people particularly vulnerable to suicidal behaviors. The general objective of this study is to investigate the protective factors related to adolescent suicide, with specific objectives that include analyzing the main risk factors, identifying effective protective factors, and mapping suicide prevention strategies. The methodology adopted is bibliographic research, conducted through electronic databases such Scielo and Google Scholar, focused on the collection, analysis, and interpretation of information relevant to the theme. The analysis of the results reveals that suicide in adolescence is influenced by a complex interaction of risk and protective factors. Among the risks are social isolation, experiences of abuse, affective disorders, and substance use. As protective factors, social and family support, access to mental health care, participation in religious activities, and a healthy lifestyle stand out. It concludes that the prevention of suicide in adolescence requires collective and evidence-based efforts, involving schools, families, mental health services, and the community at large. Promoting the mental health and well-being of adolescents must be prioritized, with culturally sensitive and accessible public policies and intervention programs. This study underlines the urgency of collective actions to address the challenge of suicide in adolescence, highlighting the importance of future research in exploring protective factors and evaluating the effectiveness of different prevention programs.