Advisor(s)
Cindy Cain
Committee Member(s)
Elizabeth Baker
Janet Turan
Robin Lanzi
Verna Keith
School
College of Arts and Sciences
Document Type
Dissertation
Department (new version)
Social & Behavioral Sciences
Date of Award
9-9-2024
Abstract
This mixed methods study examined factors associated with met and unmet mental health care needs among suicide attempt survivors in the U.S. Quantitative survey data from 74 participants was analyzed using fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to determine configurations of conditions associated with met and unmet needs. Qualitative data from the surveys and 21 in-depth interviews were analyzed thematically. Key integrated findings show social and economic factors act in combination to affect outcomes of met and unmet mental health care needs, including the gray areas of “needs partially met.” Configurations of conditions which included lack of perceived suicide stigma, trust in health care providers, adequate health insurance coverage, and not falling into the low-income category are associated with outcomes of met mental health care needs. Outcomes of unmet need are conversely associated with configurations of perceived stigma, lack of trust, inadequate insurance coverage, and low income. Personal and professional care networks may provide or deny social or economic support based on suicide and mental illness stigma, cultural attitudes toward mental health care, and eco-nomic means. Social networks are dynamic and available support can change over time and place. The study demonstrates the complex configurations of social and economic factors affecting care experiences and outcomes of met or unmet mental health care needs for suicide attempt survivors. Findings suggest that multi-level interventions may be needed to address suicide and mental illness stigma, improve trust in health care providers and systems, and consider socioeconomic factors to better meet the mental health care needs of this vulnerable population. More research is needed to understand the pathways into and out of care and structural contexts shaping the experiences of suicide attempt survivors.
ProQuest ID
Recommended Citation
Tarasovich, Mercedes, "Barriers and Facilitators to Mental Health Care Among Suicide Attempt Survivors" (2024). All ETDs from UAB. 7649.
https://digitalcommons.library.uab.edu/etd-collection/7649
