| There is a need for research on parents who have lost a teenager to suicide. Research studies focusing on the self-reported needs for assistance following suicide are scarce. Exploring families who have lost a teenager will help us in obtaining a better understanding of parents perceived needs and what services are helpful and not helpful.;The objective of this multiple case study was to develop an understanding of families needs following the suicide of a teenager. A total of six parent (s) units living in Nebraska who have lost a teenager to suicide, were interviewed. For this study, parent (s) was defined as a single parent or married couple. It was requested that both parents participate but if only one parent was able to participate the research continued. Teenager suicide is defined as a teenager between the ages of 13-19 intentionally taking his/her own life. Interviews were audio-taped and transcribed for identification and review of common themes.;Participants in the present study indicated several key themes that describe parent's needs following the suicide of a teenager. These needs are: Support by listening and responding, support from another suicide survivor, support in finding direction, support in seeing the teen, support in remembering the teen, and support in giving back.;The research findings present implications for mental health professionals, first responders, suicide survivor intervention teams, and support networks. |
