Abstract

Adolescence is an important period of development during which relationships and life experiences influence mental health and well-being. Understanding these experiences is essential to providing individualized, developmentally informed nursing care. This portfolio dissertation examines adolescent connectedness, mental health, and the lasting influence of peer suicide through three manuscripts that collectively contribute to nursing knowledge and future research. Chapter 1 introduces the background, significance, and problem of adolescent peer suicide bereavement, establishes the gap in understanding its long-term developmental impact, and presents the purpose and research questions guiding the dissertation. Chapter 2, Connectedness in Adolescence: A Concept Analysis, clarifies the defining attributes, antecedents, and consequences of adolescent connectedness. The analysis establishes a foundation for understanding connectedness as a protective influence during adolescence. Findings identify opportunities for future nursing research and concept development. Chapter 3, The Decline in Adolescents' Mental Health with the Rise of Social Media: A Narrative Review, examines current evidence regarding the relationship between social media and adolescent mental health. The review explores both the benefits and challenges associated with adolescents' digital experiences. Implications for nursing assessment and developmentally informed care are discussed. Chapter 4, When We Were Young: A Qualitative Study About Peer Loss During Adolescence, presents findings from an Interpretive Description study exploring adults' reflections on the suicide of a peer during adolescence. The findings demonstrate the lasting influence of peer suicide on development, relationships, and meaning-making. The study emphasizes the importance of individualized nursing care that recognizes the unique meaning adolescents assign to these experiences. Finally, Chapter 5 summarizes the portfolio dissertation and integrates the findings across the three manuscripts. Contributions to nursing practice and knowledge are discussed. Recommendations for future research are presented.

Date of publication

Fall 2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Language

english

Persistent identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/10950/5216

Committee members

Angela Preston, PhD., RN, CNE; Barbara McAlister, PhD., RN, ACUE; Citlali Molina, PhD, LPC

Degree

Philosophy in Nursing

Download

Share

COinS