de Lafargue, Johanna (2025) Exploring professional perspectives on the cascading impact of system responses to student suicide in secondary schools. Professional Doctorate thesis, Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust / University of Essex. Full text available

Preview

PDF (de Larfargue(exploring)) de Lafargue - exploring.pdf Download (14MB) | Preview

Abstract

In the United Kingdom, educational psychologists support schools following student suicides through collaboration with school leadership, staff, and students, known as postvention. Various approaches are employed in response to such traumatic events. There is developing research in this area, as well as efforts to disseminate protocols and develop resources to support schools with these experiences. However, empirical exploration of effective support mechanisms in school settings remains sparse, particularly regarding staff support. This study involved professionals from three schools impacted by student suicide, utilising semi-structured interviews with school staff and online questionnaires with educational psychologists and senior leadership team members. The reflexive thematic analysis revealed that postvention led by educational psychologists and the headteacher is an evolving process influenced by the nature of incidents and school hierarchies, shaped by contextual and relational factors. Challenges arose concerning the definition of pastoral and professional roles as well as support boundaries. Although participants valued collaboration, certain personal, professional, and systemic factors sometimes hindered the effectiveness of postvention support. Barriers included reliance on personal experiences during crises and balancing student support with school routines. Findings suggest the need for clearer structures, role definitions, and support boundaries for professionals involved in postvention. Future research in this area may explore further identified barriers to the flow of support across school systems, particularly related to informal contracting among professional groups in postvention activities.

Item Type:	Thesis (Professional Doctorate)
Additional Information:	Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the Professional Doctorate in Child, Community and Educational Psychology awarded by the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust in association with the University of Essex
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Professional Doctorate in Child, Community and Educational Psychology Edpsych Updates
Subjects:	Emotions, Affective Psychology > Grief/Mourning/Loss Groups & Organisations > Groups/Institutions/Organisations Human Psychological Processes > Strange Environment/Situation Learning & Education > Educational Psychology Research, Tests, Assessments > Assessment/Interviews
Department/People:	Children, Young Adult and Family Services Research
URI:	https://repository.tavistockandportman.ac.uk/id/eprint/3107

Actions (Library Staff login required)

View Item