Volume 28, Issue 1 (4-2026)
yafte 2026, 28(1): 12-26 |
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Saki M, Behzadifar M, Ghasemi F. Title: Policy brief: enhancing protective factors and psychological resilience: policy recommendations for reducing suicidal behaviors among adolescents. yafte 2026; 28 (1) :12-26
URL: http://yafte.lums.ac.ir/article-1-3885-en.html
URL: http://yafte.lums.ac.ir/article-1-3885-en.html
Health Policy Department, School of Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Center Lorestan University of Medical Sciences. Khorramabad, Lorestan, Iran, & Health Policy Department, School of Health, Social Determinants of Health Research Center Lorestan University of Medical Sciences. Khorramabad, Lorestan, Iran,
Abstract: (76 Views)
Background: Suicidal behaviors among adolescents represent one of the rapidly growing mental health challenges at both national and global levels. According to reports from the World Health Organization, suicide is among the three leading causes of death in the 15–19 age group, and countries with a predominantly young population, such as Iran are particularly vulnerable to this crisis. Increasing academic pressures, social stressors, family-related problems, and heightened exposure to harmful online content have all contributed to the escalation of this issue.
Research evidence indicates that approaches centered on strengthening protective factors and psychological resilience are among the most effective and sustainable strategies for reducing high-risk and suicidal behaviors. These protective factors include supportive relationships with family and school, emotion regulation skills, media literacy, access to counseling services, and a sense of social belonging. In contrast, current policies regarding adolescent mental health in Iran tend to be fragmented, short-term, and lacking systematic evaluation mechanisms.
This policy brief presents a set of actionable policy options, including the development of school-based resilience programs, strengthening counseling services, supporting parents, regulating digital spaces, and improving intersectoral coordination. Implementation of these policies can significantly enhance adolescent mental health, reduce self-harming behaviors, and improve the overall quality of life for the next generation. The core message of this policy brief is that investing in adolescent resilience is a national imperative and a highly cost-effective policy choice.
Research evidence indicates that approaches centered on strengthening protective factors and psychological resilience are among the most effective and sustainable strategies for reducing high-risk and suicidal behaviors. These protective factors include supportive relationships with family and school, emotion regulation skills, media literacy, access to counseling services, and a sense of social belonging. In contrast, current policies regarding adolescent mental health in Iran tend to be fragmented, short-term, and lacking systematic evaluation mechanisms.
This policy brief presents a set of actionable policy options, including the development of school-based resilience programs, strengthening counseling services, supporting parents, regulating digital spaces, and improving intersectoral coordination. Implementation of these policies can significantly enhance adolescent mental health, reduce self-harming behaviors, and improve the overall quality of life for the next generation. The core message of this policy brief is that investing in adolescent resilience is a national imperative and a highly cost-effective policy choice.
Keywords: Adolescent Psychological Resilience, Suicidal Behaviors, Protective Factors, Mental Health Policy
Type of Study: Review article / Policy brief |
Subject:
سیاست گذاری سلامت
Received: 2025/12/7 | Accepted: 2026/02/9 | Published: 2026/04/30
Received: 2025/12/7 | Accepted: 2026/02/9 | Published: 2026/04/30
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