Adolescent perceptions of school before and after psychiatric hospitalization: Predicting suicidal ideation.

Abstract

= 15.2 years; 68.6% female, 65.4% White; 14.7% Hispanic/Latinx; grades 7-12) hospitalized for a suicide-related crisis assessed 3 weeks and 6 months following discharge. Results from Latent Change Score models indicated a worsening of perceptions of teacher relationships (mean change (Δ) = 1.52), connectedness to learning (Δ = 1.55), parent involvement (Δ = 1.82), and academic satisfaction (Δ = 1.34), as well as higher frequency of perceived bullying victimization (Δ = 0.71) following hospitalization. Poorer perceptions of teacher relationships and higher frequency of perceived bullying victimization during hospitalization (β = 0.31 and 0.34), as well as worsening changes of teacher relationships and increased frequency of perceived bullying victimization following hospitalization (β = 0.48 and 0.41) were associated with higher levels of suicidal ideation severity 3 weeks following discharge. Poorer and worsening perceptions of teacher relationships were associated with higher levels of suicidal ideation intensity at 3 weeks (β = 0.37 and 0.54). Poorer perceptions of connectedness to learning during hospitalization emerged as a significant predictor of higher levels of suicidal ideation intensity 6 months following hospitalization (β = 0.20). Results reinforce the importance of fostering positive adult relationships and preventing bullying both prior to and immediately following psychiatric hospitalization. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).