Background:
Suicide and self-harm among young people remain critical public health concerns in Australia and internationally. While substantial research has focused on risk factors and prevention strategies, less attention has been given to synthesising evidence on what protects young people from suicidal distress and behaviour across developmental, social, and structural contexts. Understanding protective factors is essential for informing strengths-based, inclusive, and hope-oriented suicide prevention approaches.
Aim:
This umbrella review aims to synthesise evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses on protective factors associated with reduced suicide deaths, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and self-harm among young people.
Methods:
A comprehensive search of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses was conducted. Eligible studies included systematic reviews and meta-analyses examining protective factors related to suicidal thoughts and behaviours in young people aged 10-24 years. Methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR 2. Protective factors were grouped across ecological levels, including individual, family, peer, school, community, and societal domains.
Findings:
The review identified a substantial body of review-level evidence examining a wide range of potential protective factors across multiple ecological levels. Findings will be synthesised and discussed in relation to individual, family, peer, school, community, and societal domains, highlighting how protective influences are conceptualised, measured, and reported across the existing literature.
Implications:
By consolidating evidence on protective factors, this umbrella review aims to support the evidence base for strengths-focused suicide prevention approaches that align with Australia’s commitment to collaborative, inclusive, and hopeful responses. The findings are intended to support co-designed prevention efforts by clarifying where protective processes may be strengthened across the systems that support young people. This work seeks to inform future research, policy, and practice aimed at reducing suicide and self-harm among young people and supporting brighter futures.