Theories and Models in Suicide Prevention Research
Expert-defined terms from the Advanced Certificate in Suicide Prevention Research Methods course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Theories and Models in Suicide Prevention Research #
Theories and Models in Suicide Prevention Research
Adaptation #
Focused Model: A theoretical framework that emphasizes the importance of adapting suicide prevention strategies to fit the specific needs and characteristics of different populations or settings.
Aggregated Data #
Data that has been combined or grouped together to provide a summary of information, often used in suicide prevention research to analyze trends and patterns across larger populations.
Biopsychosocial Model #
A theoretical framework that views suicide as a complex interaction between biological, psychological, and social factors, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to prevention.
Case #
Control Study: A type of research design used in suicide prevention studies to compare individuals who have died by suicide (cases) with those who have not (controls), aiming to identify risk and protective factors.
Cognitive #
Behavioral Model: A theoretical framework that focuses on how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact to influence suicide risk, often used to inform interventions targeting cognitive distortions and maladaptive coping strategies.
Community #
Based Participatory Research (CBPR): An approach to suicide prevention research that involves collaboration between researchers and community members, aiming to address local needs, build trust, and enhance the relevance of interventions.
Comprehensive Model #
A theoretical framework that integrates multiple theories and approaches to suicide prevention, emphasizing the need for a holistic understanding of risk and protective factors.
Contagion #
The phenomenon in which exposure to suicide-related behaviors or information can increase the likelihood of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in others, highlighting the importance of responsible reporting and messaging in prevention efforts.
Cost #
Effectiveness Analysis: A method used in suicide prevention research to evaluate the economic efficiency of interventions by comparing the costs and benefits of different strategies, helping to inform resource allocation decisions.
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) #
A crisis intervention technique used in suicide prevention to support individuals who have been exposed to traumatic events, aiming to reduce psychological distress and promote coping strategies.
Cross #
Sectional Study: A type of research design used in suicide prevention studies to collect data at a single point in time, allowing researchers to examine relationships between variables without establishing causality.
Cultural Formulation Interview (CFI) #
A structured assessment tool used in suicide prevention research to explore the cultural beliefs, values, and practices that may influence an individual's experience of mental health and suicide risk.
Ecological Model #
A theoretical framework that considers suicide risk as the result of interactions between individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors, highlighting the need for multi-level interventions.
Epidemiological Study #
A type of research design used in suicide prevention studies to investigate the distribution and determinants of suicide at the population level, aiming to identify risk factors and inform prevention strategies.
Evidence #
Based Practice: An approach to suicide prevention that integrates the best available research evidence with clinical expertise and patient preferences, guiding the selection and implementation of interventions.
Gatekeeper Training #
A suicide prevention strategy that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to recognize warning signs, intervene effectively, and refer at-risk individuals to appropriate resources, often targeting specific groups such as teachers or healthcare providers.
Health Belief Model #
A theoretical framework that explores how individuals perceive the threat of suicide, their susceptibility to it, and the benefits of preventive actions, helping to inform interventions that address perceived barriers and enhance motivation for change.
Interpersonal Theory of Suicide #
A theoretical framework that emphasizes the importance of thwarted belongingness, perceived burdensomeness, and acquired capability in understanding suicide risk, guiding the development of interventions that target these factors.
Longitudinal Study #
A type of research design used in suicide prevention studies to follow individuals over an extended period of time, allowing researchers to track changes in risk factors, outcomes, and the effectiveness of interventions.
Media Guidelines #
Recommendations for responsible reporting on suicide-related topics, aiming to reduce the risk of contagion and promote accurate, sensitive portrayals of mental health issues in the media.
Multi #
Level Model: A theoretical framework that recognizes the influence of individual, interpersonal, community, and societal factors on suicide risk, highlighting the need for interventions that address risk factors across multiple levels.
Postvention #
Strategies and interventions implemented after a suicide to support individuals affected by the loss, prevent further suicides, and promote healing within the community, emphasizing the importance of timely and comprehensive responses.
Protective Factors #
Factors that reduce the likelihood of suicide or buffer against risk factors, such as strong social support, coping skills, and access to mental health services, highlighting the importance of promoting resilience and well-being in prevention efforts.
Psychological Autopsy #
A method used in suicide prevention research to gather information about a deceased individual's mental health, life circumstances, and behaviors through interviews with family members, friends, and other informants.
Public Health Approach #
A population-based approach to suicide prevention that aims to reduce risk factors, enhance protective factors, and promote mental health and well-being across communities, emphasizing the importance of prevention at the societal level.
Quality of Life #
An individual's overall satisfaction with life, including physical, emotional, social, and cognitive aspects, often used as an outcome measure in suicide prevention research to assess the impact of interventions on well-being.
Quasi #
Experimental Study: A type of research design used in suicide prevention studies to compare the outcomes of interventions in non-randomized settings, allowing researchers to evaluate the effectiveness of programs under real-world conditions.
Reliability #
The consistency and repeatability of measurements or observations in suicide prevention research, indicating the degree to which data collection methods produce stable and valid results.
Resilience #
The ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity, trauma, or stress, often considered a protective factor in suicide prevention due to its role in promoting coping and positive mental health outcomes.
Risk Factors #
Factors that increase the likelihood of suicide or contribute to vulnerability, such as mental illness, substance abuse, trauma, and access to lethal means, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address these underlying causes.
Social Cognitive Theory #
A theoretical framework that explores how individuals learn from observing others, interpret social cues, and regulate their behavior, informing interventions that target social influences, modeling, and self-efficacy in suicide prevention.
Stigma #
Negative attitudes, beliefs, and stereotypes that lead to discrimination and social exclusion of individuals with mental health issues or suicidal behaviors, highlighting the importance of challenging stigma in suicide prevention efforts.
Strengths #
Based Approach: A suicide prevention strategy that focuses on individuals' strengths, resources, and resilience, aiming to empower them to overcome challenges, build self-esteem, and develop coping skills.
Suicide Cluster #
A localized increase in suicide deaths within a specific time period or community, often associated with contagion and shared risk factors, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts and postvention support.
Suicide Contagion #
The phenomenon in which exposure to suicide-related behaviors or information leads to an increase in suicidal behaviors among individuals or communities, emphasizing the importance of responsible media reporting and prevention strategies.
Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper #
An individual who is trained to recognize warning signs of suicide, intervene effectively, and refer at-risk individuals to appropriate resources, such as teachers, healthcare providers, or community members.
Suicide Risk Assessment #
A structured evaluation of an individual's risk factors, warning signs, protective factors, and access to lethal means, used to determine the level of risk and develop safety plans or interventions to prevent suicide.
Suicide Risk Factors #
Characteristics or circumstances that increase an individual's vulnerability to suicide, such as mental illness, substance abuse, trauma, access to lethal means, and social isolation, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts.
Survivor of Suicide Loss #
An individual who has experienced the death of a loved one by suicide, often facing unique challenges and emotional struggles, highlighting the importance of support services, counseling, and postvention interventions.
Systems Theory #
A theoretical framework that views suicide as the result of interactions between multiple systems, such as family, community, healthcare, and society, guiding the development of interventions that address these interconnected influences.
Theory of Planned Behavior #
A theoretical framework that explores how attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control influence individuals' intentions and behaviors, informing interventions that target beliefs, motivations, and intentions in suicide prevention.
Trauma #
Informed Care: An approach to suicide prevention that recognizes the impact of trauma on mental health, behavior, and well-being, emphasizing safety, trust, empowerment, and collaboration in interventions with individuals who have experienced trauma.
Validation Study #
A type of research design used in suicide prevention studies to assess the accuracy and reliability of assessment tools, screening instruments, or diagnostic criteria, ensuring that measures are valid and appropriate for the population.
Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) #
A personalized plan developed by individuals with mental health challenges to identify triggers, early warning signs, coping strategies, and support networks to manage their symptoms and promote well-being, often used in suicide prevention as a self-management tool.
Zero Suicide #
A comprehensive approach to suicide prevention that aims to eliminate suicide deaths within healthcare systems by implementing best practices, training staff in suicide prevention, and providing continuous care and support for at-risk individuals.
By understanding and applying these theories and models in suicide prevention re… #
By understanding and applying these theories and models in suicide prevention research, researchers and practitioners can develop more effective interventions, target specific risk and protective factors, and promote mental health and well-being across communities.