Suicidal Ideation Framework: Grounded Theory Study, Catalonia

ConditionsSuicide Suicide Attempt Suicide Ideation Suicide Risk Suicide Prevention

Trial statusNot yet recruiting

Trial phaseNot listed

Trial typeObservational

Biological sexAll

Age18+

SponsorFundació Institut de Recerca de l'Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau

About this trial

This doctoral project aims to develop a comprehensive theoretical model of the process through which the suicidal ideation framework is configured as a symbolic, narrative, and relational expression, adopting a multiperspective approach that spans the suicide attempt and the stages of care and recovery. Moving away from biomedical reductionisms, this investigation seeks to identify shared meaning-making nuclei and discursive fractures that reflect the inherent conflictuality of the suicidal act.

Grounded in the integration of the theoretical frameworks previously outlined, this study adopts an interpretive-constructivist approach. Phase 1 will include studies conducted in OECD countries, providing a broad and conceptually diverse interpretive foundation. Phase 2, conducted in Catalonia, will deepen situated configurations, assuming that local sociocultural frameworks act as interpretive prisms for globally relevant phenomena.

Overall, this theoretical-methodological architecture not only ensures conceptual robustness and coherence, but also articulates an ethical and epistemic commitment to understanding suicide through the complexity of its human textures. By centering suffering, listening to historically silenced voices, honoring the singularity of each life trajectory, and grounding the inquiry in an ethics of care, this study aims to transcend a merely technical-instrumental logic of knowledge.

Eligibility criteria

This trial does not accept healthy volunteers

Qualifiers

Adults ≥18 years of age.

Usual residence in Catalonia (Spain).

Ability to understand, speak, read, and write in Catalan or Spanish.

Demonstrated clinical/emotional stability ensuring safe participation, as confirmed by the referring clinician.

Disqualifiers

Presence of acute clinical decompensation preventing safe participation.

Active suicidal risk or acute crisis at the time of recruitment.

Acute vulnerability identified during screening.

Inability to provide informed consent.

Trial population

The study population comprises three analytically complementary groups within the mental health system of Catalonia: (1) adults with a history of one or more suicide attempts within the past 6 months to 3 years; (2) members of their family, social, or community support networks who have provided meaningful accompaniment during or after the attempt; and (3) healthcare professionals directly involved in the care of individuals who have attempted suicide and with at least one year of experience in mental health services. These groups are independent from each other, ensuring contextual diversity, confidentiality and robust interpretive depth.

Trial design

Design model

Other

Time perspective

Cross-sectional

Treatments tested in this trial

In-Depth Qualitative Interview
Procedure/Surgery
In-depth interviews aimed at exploring participants' lived experiences, meaning-making processes, and contextual factors related to the configuration of the suicidal ideation framework. Interviews will last approximately 30-45 minutes and will be conducted by the Principal Investigator in a confidential, safe, and clinically monitored setting. No clinical treatment or diagnostic procedure is administered.
Discussion Group
Procedure/Surgery
Non-directive discussion groups composed of 4-6 participants from the same analytic category (suicide attempt survivors, support network members, or healthcare professionals). Sessions will last 60-90 minutes and will facilitate the collective exploration of relational, contextual, and sociocultural dynamics associated with the suicidal ideation framework. The procedure is solely qualitative and involves no therapeutic intervention or clinical manipulation.

Treatment groups

45 Participants

are divided into 3 treatment groups

Group A: Individuals with a history of suicide attempt2 interventions

Group B: Members of their support networks2 interventions

Group C: Healthcare professionals involved in their care2 interventions

Trial outcomes

Primary outcomes

Conceptual Synthesis of Qualitative Findings.

Generation of a third-order conceptual synthesis integrating first- and second-order findings from qualitative and mixed-methods studies conducted in OECD countries. This synthesis will be developed through reflexive thematic analysis and will provide a high-order interpretative framework that will: 1. consolidate cross-contextual patterns and divergences in experiences attributed to suicide. 2. inform the initial theoretical orientation of Phase 2. 3. guide purposive and theoretical sampling. 4. support the development of initial coding strategies in the constructivist grounded theory phase. Measure Type: Qualitative interpretative meta-synthesis conceptual output.

Time frame

Through Phase 1 completion, an average of 12-18 months.

Emergent Theoretical Model.

Qualitative identification, comparative analysis and inductive-interpretive integration of the main categories, subcategories and theoretical relationships that explain how the suicidal ideation framework is configured as a symbolic, narrative and relational phenomenon. This outcome captures the core theoretical structure produced through initial coding, focused coding and theoretical integration, derived from the constructivist grounded theory analysis of interviews and discussion groups. Measure Type: Qualitative conceptual model (Grounded Theory).

Time frame