Adolescent Suicide: Surveillance and Prevention through Proactive Guidance Teacher Roles in the Thai Educational Context

Abstract

This article examines the growing severity of adolescent suicide in Thailand and its profound impacts on adolescents, families, and society. A synthesis of research findings identifies key risk factors across psychological, psychiatric, family, and social domains, linked to established theoretical frameworks including the Three-Step Theory, Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, and Hopelessness-Helplessness Theory. The article highlights the critical proactive roles of guidance teacher in addressing this issue through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports framework, encompassing primary prevention for the general student population, secondary prevention targeting at-risk students, and tertiary prevention for crisis intervention. Effective approaches for guidance teacher include implementing classroom guidance activities that enhance mental health awareness, emotional regulation skills, self-esteem development, and social competence. The SHORES counseling framework is presented as an effective intervention model, alongside strategies for building comprehensive support networks that integrate school, family, and community resources. These collaborative approaches aim to foster psychological resilience and create sustainable solutions to reduce suicide risk among Thai adolescents