| Abstract | Evidence suggests that lay persons can play an important role in suicide prevention. Whilst recent research has focused on the role bystanders play when people are at risk of suicide in physical environments, few studies have considered what happens when someone makes a suicidal disclosure on social media. The current study explored how bystanders respond when exposed to suicidal ideation online and what motivates this response. Thirteen UK adults aged 19 to 40 (M = 24.62, SD = 7.33) who had been a bystander at least once when someone had made a suicidal disclosure online were interviewed. Twelve identified as women, one as a man. Using reflexive thematic analysis, we generated five themes: 1) Questioning authenticity of online disclosures, 2) Distance and diffusion of responsibility, 3) Limitations of bystander support, 4) Acting with urgency and on instinct and 5) The Emotional Toll of Witnessing Suicidal Disclosures. Findings highlight the need to challenge doubt over authenticity around online disclosures, and the importance of guidelines to ensure the safety of all involved. |
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