Stigma of Suicide: A Thematic Analysis of a University Participatory Public Art Project

ABSTRACT

Suicide is a public health crisis that has been increasing the past few years. Stigma associated with mental health and suicide can contribute to suicide attempts and completion. With suicide as the second leading cause of death among college-aged adults, colleges are continuing to find ways to combat stigma. As such, the authors employed a thematic analysis to examine the words and messages written during a university-based participatory community art project aimed at preventing suicide stigma. Results yielded six distinct themes including Positive Affirmations, Shame-Free Mental Health Awareness, Advice-Giving, Permission Granting, Togetherness, and Religious/Spiritual Support. Implications and recommendations for mental health practitioners and universities are provided.

KEYWORDS:

• Creative arts
• creative expression in mental health
• suicide prevention
• college students
• creativity in counseling

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration under [Grant #SMO62546]