Projects / Programmes
Psychopathology and suicidal behaviour among youth - the role of new technologies in the occurence of distress and offering help
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 3.09.00 |
Medical sciences |
Psychiatry |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 3.02 |
Medical and Health Sciences |
Clinical medicine |
psychopathology, suicidal behaviour, youth, media, internet
Researchers (8)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
32135 |
PhD Diego De Leo |
Public health (occupational safety) |
Head |
2020 - 2023 |
438 |
| 2. |
53697 |
Vanja Gomboc |
Psychology |
Researcher |
2020 - 2021 |
77 |
| 3. |
53285 |
Anja Guzej |
|
Technical associate |
2020 - 2021 |
0 |
| 4. |
54847 |
Patricija Kerč |
Psychology |
Researcher |
2021 |
0 |
| 5. |
53208 |
Nina Krohne |
Psychology |
Junior researcher |
2020 - 2023 |
69 |
| 6. |
54851 |
Jar Žiga Marušič |
Psychology |
Researcher |
2021 - 2023 |
0 |
| 7. |
34313 |
PhD Tina Podlogar |
Psychiatry |
Researcher |
2021 - 2022 |
133 |
| 8. |
28757 |
PhD Vita Poštuvan |
Psychology |
Researcher |
2020 - 2023 |
528 |
Organisations (1)
Abstract
Suicide is one of the leading causes of death during adolescence. Between 2000 and 2018, 183 adolescents (132 boys and 51 girls) aged between 10 and 19 died in Slovenia due to suicide (NIJZ, 2019). Suicide attempts are also a major public health problem among adolescents. Due to their developmental characteristics, adolescents are a vulnerable group for mental health problems and the development of psychopathology. Nowadays, in the context of their vulnerability, it is important to take into account the widespread presence of new media. Due to their potential association with psychopathological signs and disorders, it can be a risk factor. However, due to the possibility of informing and providing various forms of help to individuals in distress, it can be a protective factor that can help overcoming mental health problems or suicidal thoughts. In the proposed project we plan a thorough and in-depth study of the relationship between the characteristics of new media (e.g., ways of use, content), aspects of mental health, and psychopathology. We will focus on adolescents who represent a vulnerable group for the incidence of problems in this area and the adverse impacts of the media and modern technologies. The project will include the following work packages: WP1 First work package provides organizational and administrative support for the implementation of project activities. WP2 In the first part of the research, we will explore the unfavorable effects of modern technologies, which will be examined primarily in the context of the development of psychopathology and suicidal ideation and behavior among adolescents. Using the questionnaires (WP2a), we will study the role of various ways of media usage in the development of this kind of problem taking into account the influence of risk factors and protective factors related to leisure activities, parenting behaviors, etc. Adolescents in distress are also particularly vulnerable due to the many obstacles to seeking help, especially among adults - parents and professionals. Their first source of help is usually peers, while the first source of information is new media or the Internet. Therefore, in-depth interviews (WP2b) will be used to explore how adolescents, while in distress, seek information or help on the Internet, and what they may be missing. WP3 In the next work package, we will focus on the role of young people as gatekeepers. The online questionnaires (WP3a) will examine young people's views and considerations on the possibility of suicide prevention and the help-seeking when in need. To explore further aspects of the issue, focus groups (WP3b) will be implemented to further our understanding of the topic. WP4 The findings will be combined into a general interpretation that will enable us to gain a holistic view of the (negative and positive) role of modern technologies in the field of adolescent mental health and suicidology, respectively. Based on those insights, we will formulate baselines for recommendations and interventions that are in line with the interests, needs, and desires of adolescents and young people. WP5 The findings will be disseminated to scientific, professional and general public. We will inform the professional public through the publication of scientific and professional articles and presentations at various congresses, conferences and seminars. Among the general public, we will focus on the parents and young gatekeepers. They will be presented with the main messages emerging from the results of the study in the form of a practical guide with guidelines for the more optimal and safe use of modern technologies. This will be an important social contribution of the proposed project in Slovenia. Researchers have experience with the successful implementation of similar projects. They also have established good cooperation with educational institutions in Slovenia, which ensures the feasibility of the proposed project.
