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Protective factors to increase help-seeking behaviors and coping skills for suicide prevention among youth

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  • Leung, Carol A.
  • Lai, Jianchao
  • Long, Ashley
  • Childs, Kaitlyn

Abstract

Help-seeking barriers often prevent adolescents and young adults from accessing timely and effective treatment for suicidal behaviors. This study examines the relationship between youth and young adults’ help-seeking behaviors and key protective factors, including social connectedness, peer-support preparedness, and resilient coping. Using a statewide initiative implemented through a community-academic partnership model, a survey examining psychosocial protective and help-seeking behaviors related to suicide prevention was administered to 1,714 individuals aged 12 to 25. The model showed that higher adversity predicted lower likelihood of help-seeking (β = -2.16, p < 0.001), whereas greater social connectedness promoted both help-seeking (β = 2.60, p < 0.001) and resilient coping (β = 0.19, p < 0.001). These findings suggest that youth and young adults’ sense of social connectedness and their preparedness to support peers at risk may operate as protective resources linked to stronger resilient coping and greater help-seeking, whereas higher cumulative adversity is associated with lower help-seeking. Results show that social connectedness and peer-support capacity are promising targets for suicide-prevention programming.

Suggested Citation

  • Leung, Carol A. & Lai, Jianchao & Long, Ashley & Childs, Kaitlyn, 2026. "Protective factors to increase help-seeking behaviors and coping skills for suicide prevention among youth," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:188:y:2026:i:c:s019074092600410x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2026.109157
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