Co-creation of Tools for Children and Adolescents with Suicidal Thoughts And/or Behaviour

Evidence shows that there are very few evidence-based tools or interventions specifically targeting suicidality in children and adolescents. It is crucial to address suicidal thoughts in these populations, as research indicates that discussing suicidality does not increase suicidal behavior but may instead reduce the associated risk. Furthermore, the field of suicide prevention increasingly incorporates digital technologies. Studies suggest that digital interventions targeting suicidality in young people show promise in enhancing knowledge, regulating emotions, developing coping skills, and managing suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

As part of this project, we will develop the following practical tools:

• A creative methodology for professionals to engage children and adolescents in talking about their suicidal thoughts.
• A self-help app for suicidal young people and their support networks. The development process will involve co-creation, with input from children and adolescents playing a central role.

A total of 30 children and adolescents aged 10 to 18 years, who have experienced suicidal thoughts in the past, will participate in this project. The co-creation sessions will be conducted in groups of up to 10 participants. Participants can attend a minimum of 1 and a maximum of 10 sessions, each lasting up to 1.5 hours. The sessions will be facilitated by researchers from VLESP and will take place at a location convenient for participants or in Ghent (the primary location of the research team). If preferred by participants, one or more sessions may also be held online.

For participants who do not wish to join a group, individual sessions can be arranged. Each session will be attended by two researchers, with the potential involvement of professionals specializing in tool development. Several potential developers will be invited to submit proposals for creating the tools, and the selection of the developer will be based on these submissions.

During the sessions, participants will review and evaluate various prototypes of the app. However, the prototypes will not be tested for effectiveness by the young participants.