Dissertation defence (Adolescent Psychiatry): MPH Karen Lynn Celedonia
Time
14.3.2025 at 12.00 - 16.00
MPH Karen Lynn Celedonia defends the dissertation in Adolescent Psychiatry titled “Suicidality Among At-Risk Adolescents Receiving Community-Based Behavioral and Mental Health Services in the United States: A Critical Examination Using Mixed Methods” at the University of Turku on 14 March 2025 at 12.00 (University of Turku, main building, Tauno Nurmela Auditorium, Turku).
Opponent: Associate professor Peter Larm (University of Stockholm, Sweden)
Custos: Associate professor Max Karukivi (University of Turku)
The audience can participate in the defence by remote access: https://echo360.org.uk/section/1b163191-3d5f-435c-a63a-fd06ba44a5bc/public
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Summary of the Doctoral Dissertation:
Adolescent suicide is a major public health concern in the United States. Extensive research has been conducted on suicidality (thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts, etc.) among the general adolescent population, but less is known about suicidality among adolescents who are at-risk, or have been exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Due to exposure to ACEs, at-risk adolescents are more likely to experience suicidality. At-risk adolescents are also more likely to receive treatment for behavioral and mental health disorders in the community at clinics that are underfunded and understaffed. This is concerning given that at-risk adolescents have more severe behavioral and mental health symptoms and are challenging to treat, even at the most well-equipped clinics.
Using a combination of different research methods, this thesis examined factors associated with and factors that predicted suicidality among at-risk adolescents receiving behavioral and mental health services (BMHS) in the community in the United States. This thesis also investigated qualities that contribute to a strong therapeutic alliance between at-risk adolescents and their therapists, as well as analyzed the use of wide-scale suicide risk detection systems embedded in social media platforms.
Thoughts of suicide and suicide attempt among at-risk adolescents were double and triple that of the general adolescent population, respectively. Sexual abuse was a predictor of suicidality. Average time to suicidal event after suicidality risk screen at intake to BMHS was around 6 months, and adolescents who screened negative for suicidality risk at intake had a longer time until a suicidal event occurred. Female gender was a predictor of a suicidal event occurring. Five qualities contributed to a strong therapeutic alliance between at-risk adolescents and their therapists: ecosystemic approach; strong working alliance; professionalism; warmth and support; and open communication. Analysis of social media suicide risk detection systems revealed ethical and legal concerns.
It is hoped these findings will help other community-based behavioral and mental health care organizations improve detection and treatment of suicidality among at-risk adolescents, thereby preventing death by suicide.
Opponent: Associate professor Peter Larm (University of Stockholm, Sweden)
Custos: Associate professor Max Karukivi (University of Turku)
The audience can participate in the defence by remote access: https://echo360.org.uk/section/1b163191-3d5f-435c-a63a-fd06ba44a5bc/public
***
Summary of the Doctoral Dissertation:
Adolescent suicide is a major public health concern in the United States. Extensive research has been conducted on suicidality (thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts, etc.) among the general adolescent population, but less is known about suicidality among adolescents who are at-risk, or have been exposed to Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Due to exposure to ACEs, at-risk adolescents are more likely to experience suicidality. At-risk adolescents are also more likely to receive treatment for behavioral and mental health disorders in the community at clinics that are underfunded and understaffed. This is concerning given that at-risk adolescents have more severe behavioral and mental health symptoms and are challenging to treat, even at the most well-equipped clinics.
Using a combination of different research methods, this thesis examined factors associated with and factors that predicted suicidality among at-risk adolescents receiving behavioral and mental health services (BMHS) in the community in the United States. This thesis also investigated qualities that contribute to a strong therapeutic alliance between at-risk adolescents and their therapists, as well as analyzed the use of wide-scale suicide risk detection systems embedded in social media platforms.
Thoughts of suicide and suicide attempt among at-risk adolescents were double and triple that of the general adolescent population, respectively. Sexual abuse was a predictor of suicidality. Average time to suicidal event after suicidality risk screen at intake to BMHS was around 6 months, and adolescents who screened negative for suicidality risk at intake had a longer time until a suicidal event occurred. Female gender was a predictor of a suicidal event occurring. Five qualities contributed to a strong therapeutic alliance between at-risk adolescents and their therapists: ecosystemic approach; strong working alliance; professionalism; warmth and support; and open communication. Analysis of social media suicide risk detection systems revealed ethical and legal concerns.
It is hoped these findings will help other community-based behavioral and mental health care organizations improve detection and treatment of suicidality among at-risk adolescents, thereby preventing death by suicide.
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