A Qualitative Study of Policies to Support Families of Suicide-Attempt Survivors: Informing Mental Health Policy Strengthening in Iran

Background: Suicide attempts represent a major public health challenge, with consequences that extend beyond the individual and profoundly affect the family system. This study aimed to explore the experiences of families of suicide-attempt survivors and to develop policy-oriented recommendations to strengthen family-centered support within Iran’s mental health system. Methods: This qualitative study used conventional content analysis based on the Graneheim and Lundman approach. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth interviews with ۴۱ family members of individuals who had attempted suicide and were affiliated with hospitals under Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. Participants were recruited purposively, and interviews continued until data saturation was achieved. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using MAXQDA version ۱۰. Trustworthiness was ensured through member checking, prolonged engagement, and expert review. Results: Analysis identified a three-dimensional family crisis framework. Psychological–emotional distress included guilt, anxiety, fear of recurrence, and emotional exhaustion. Social–interpersonal disruption involved stigma, family conflict, social withdrawal, and weakened support networks. Spiritual–existential challenges encompassed loss of meaning, religious doubt, and spiritual distancing. The lack of organized family-centered services intensified these interconnected crises, creating a persistent cycle of distress and increasing vulnerability to repeated suicide attempts. Six policy priorities emerged: family psychological support, stigma reduction, spiritual rehabilitation, resilience training, establishment of a national monitoring system, and economic empowerment. Conclusion: Suicide attempts generate sustained, multidimensional family crises that cannot be adequately addressed through individual-focused interventions alone. Transitioning to a family-centered mental health policy framework that integrates psychological, social, spiritual, and economic support is essential to enhance family resilience and reduce recurrent harm in Iran.

کلیدواژه ها:

Suicide ، Attempted ، Family ، Crisis ، Mental Health ، policy Qualitative Research