Teen Suicide Prevention Research
And then came the most shocking statistic of all
“Acute conflict with parental figures precedes 40% of teen suicide cases.”
I had to dive in. This is a public health crisis. More personally, as a mother of six teens and young adults, I needed more insight into what we as parents can do to help protect our kids from such heartbreak.
Because of this, in the summer of 2019 a group of youth and I started a research project to ask teens the question, “What do you wish your parents knew?”
In response to the critical issue of rising teen suicide rates, Kerry initiated the “Bridge the Gap” project. This endeavor was inspired by a striking statistic: acute conflicts with parental figures precede 40% of teen suicide cases. Recognizing the profound impact of parent-teen relationships on youth mental health, Kerry assembled a dedicated research team in the summer of 2019 to delve deeper into this pressing concern.
The research team, comprising high school graduates and university students, engaged directly with teenagers to gather authentic insights into their experiences and perspectives. They posed pivotal questions such as, “What do you wish your parents understood about you?” and “What advice would you give to parents to improve communication?” Additionally, the team surveyed parents and consulted mental health professionals to gain a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics at play.
The findings from this research have been instrumental in shaping Kerry’s approach to family therapy, aimed at reducing conflicts and fostering healthier relationships between parents and teens.
This initiative underscores the mission to transform the dynamics of parent-teen interactions, promoting open communication and mutual understanding to safeguard the well-being of young individuals.
Take two minutes to watch the video we made
If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to me. I am also applying learnings from this research in my “Family Alchemy” model of family therapy. I am determined to help families reduce conflict between parents and teens.
“I want to hear more about their lives.”
“I’m struggling with depression a lot more than they think.”
“How difficult some of my relationships have been, and rather than telling me what to do, they would just listen.”
“I am my own person, not just a project of theirs.”
“I just want them to be proud of me.”
“I want to be closer to them, even though I don’t really act like it.”
We surveyed parents and interviewed mental health professionals.
We learned a lot about parent-teen relationships. I had my flight and hotel booked, ready to present this research at the annual conference the International Family Therapy Association in Basel, Switzerland in mid-March, 2020. It was COVID-cancelled. I am looking for ways to share what I learned with 1) mental health professionals and 2) parents of teens. If you are interested in learning more, please reach out to me. I am also applying learnings from this research in my “Family Alchemy” model of family therapy. I am determined to help families reduce conflict between parents and teens.
Meet the Research Team
Kerry Stutzman
Anabelle Adams
Maggie Wright
Haley Hammond
Heather Rynders
Vara Tummala
Amanda Brice
This research is a big part of the reason why we launched Care for the Kids.
We're on a mission to change the dynamic between parents and kids.
I collaborate with my son Palmer, a youth resilience coach and marriage and family therapist, combining my therapy background with his unique perspective as someone who grew up through divorce. We’re passionate about helping families navigate this challenging journey while safeguarding kids’ mental health. Our work together includes:
- Speaking to divorce professionals about what children really need during family transitions
- Supporting parents in protecting their children's emotional well-being during the ups and downs of divorce
- Offering our heart-centered online course "Are Your Kids OKAY? Safeguard Your Child's Mental Health During Divorce"
Drop your email below to be first to know when our course launches! We’ve poured everything we’ve learned about helping kids thrive (not just survive) through divorce into this comprehensive resource for parents.