SUICIDES ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES AND THE EXPERIENCES OF COLLEGE ADMINISTRATORS: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Deaths by suicide have become an epidemic in the United States with many of these occurring on college campuses. Estimates suggest that yearly more than 1,000 students die by suicide. Though death by suicide may often be traced to a mental health condition, little is known about institutional policy changes, cultural changes, and institutional practices. Utilizing change theory as the theoretical framework, this case study presents interviews with several people following a death by suicide on a college campus. Noted are the emergent themes of communication, short-term versus long-term changes, and hope. Significant findings of this research study were related to policies versus procedures, the need for additional services, and an underutilization of mental health services on campus. Overall, the findings of this study concluded that there were no significant changes that occurred relative to policy changes, the institutional culture, or with institutional practices. The implications of this research are discussed to include examining the overall provision and need for mental health services on campus in addition to various training opportunities. Also, potential areas for future research are examined to include expanding the geographic area of the study and altering the theoretical framework.