Overview of the School-Based Prevention of Adolescent Suicide (From School-Based Affective and Social Interventions, P 103-120, Susan G Forman, ed. -- See NCJ-110677)

• NCJ Number: 110681
• Author(s): J Sandoval; J M Davis; M P Wilson
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 19 pages
• Sale Source: Haworth Press, Inc
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article presents an overview of options available to school special services personnel in preventing suicide among secondary school students.

Abstract

The scope of the problem is discussed using information from the Bureau of Vital Statistics, which reported a suicide rate of 12.4 per 100,000 among adolescents in 1979. Primary prevention strategies are reviewed, including curriculum-based programs. In discussing curriculum approaches to primary prevention of suicide among students, the article presents five danger signs: (1) a suicide threat or other statement indicating a desire or intention to die, (2) a previous suicide attempt, (3) depression, (4) marked changes in behavior, including eating and sleeping patterns, acting out behavior, hyperactivity, substance abuse, or high risk-taking behavior, and (5) making final arrangements or saying good-bye to possessions and/or individuals. A model curriculum-based primary prevention program is described, and barriers to prevention activities are discussed including cognitive, social, and ethical barriers. Also discussed are counseling approaches to secondary prevention. Various categories of at-risk students are described such as, children experiencing personality disintegration, students with inwardly directed rage, students experiencing abandonment, students losing a powerful love object, and children crying for help when faced with a seemingly insoluble dilemma. Nine areas which should be included in a suicide evaluation are presented, and peer counseling options are discussed. 16 references.