What is it about?
We explored the experiences of Indonesian adolescents who have thought about suicide, focusing on how cultural values, religious beliefs, family expectations, and social pressures affect their mental health. Using interviews with 34 teenagers, we identified themes such as trauma, emotional isolation, stigma, and the need for genuine acceptance. These insights show how adolescents navigate difficult emotions and the barriers they face in seeking support.
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Why is it important?
Suicidal ideation among teenagers is a growing public health concern, yet little is known about the cultural and spiritual factors that shape these experiences in Indonesia. Understanding these influences is critical for developing prevention strategies and mental health services that are culturally sensitive, supportive, and more effective at reaching adolescents in need.
Perspectives
Working on this study was deeply eye-opening for us, as it highlighted the complex ways cultural, spiritual, and social pressures impact adolescents’ mental health. We hope this work encourages educators, healthcare providers, and policymakers to design supportive, culturally responsive interventions that genuinely listen to and accept teenagers’ experiences, helping prevent tragic outcomes.
Mr Ferry Efendi
Universitas Airlangga
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Suicidal Ideation Among Indonesian Adolescents: A Qualitative Synthesis of the Psychosocial, Cultural and Spiritual Dynamics, International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, July 2025, Wiley,
DOI: 10.1111/inm.70092.
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