Knowledge of teachers about suicidal behavior in adolescents

Objective. To identify the knowledge of teachers about suicidal behavior in adolescents. Methods. Qualitative exploratory-descriptive study conducted in a state school in the municipality of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. Twelve teachers participated in the study. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews analyzed using Bardin’s Content Analysis. Results. Three categories were built: “Warning signs of suicide”, related to the signs identified by the professionals; “Risk factors for suicide”, which indicate the reasons that may lead adolescents to present this type of behavior; and “Difficulties in dealing with the behaviors”, referring to the behaviors adopted by adolescents and the difficulties of teachers before the theme. Conclusion. It was possible to identify that teachers recognize some signs of suicidal behavior, as well as some risk factors. Nonetheless, it is necessary to qualify them to approach the subject, since they feel insecure to act in more critical moments, thus generating mainly feelings of sadness, guilt and powerlessness