Self-Directed Violence: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Prevention and Management of Adolescent Suicidal Behaviour

• NCJ Number: 217057
• Journal: Acta Criminologica Volume: 19 Issue: 1 Dated: 2006 Pages: 89-101
• Author(s): D. L. Kgosimore; M.D.M. Makofane
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 13 pages
• Publication Format: Document (Online)
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: South Africa
• Note: To access the full text PDF: 1) select the provided link; 2) from the Acta Criminologica Web site, select "Table of Contents"; 3) select the corresponding Volume and Issue (see the NCJRS abstract record for the exact Volume and Issue); 4) scroll the Table of Contents to the exact article; and 5) click on the "full text" icon. Downloaded on January 23, 2007.

Annotation

After a review of the literature, this paper explores the possible collaboration between criminology and social work and the prevention of adolescent suicide in South Africa, known as a multidisciplinary approach in the study of the prevention and management of adolescent suicide.

Abstract

The first step towards a multidisciplinary approach to adolescent suicidal behavior is a criminological explanation of suicide as a category of violence and a crime prevention approach that is based on the public health model of disease prevention and supported by a social work postvention method of supporting the direct and indirect victims of suicidal behavior. Research indicates that suicidal behavior is more prevalent in adolescents than in adults. This prevalence calls for a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the phenomenon of adolescent suicide as a form of self-directed violence. A multidisciplinary approach enhances the knowledge and understanding of adolescent suicide, as well as a wide range of strategies targeted at the prevention and management of adolescent suicide. The primary objective of this paper is to explore the possible collaboration between criminology and social work in the development of a better knowledge and understanding of adolescent suicide, as well as its prevention and management. It assesses the level of incorporation of criminological aspects in the literature on adolescent suicide, accentuates the interface between criminology and social work in the prevention of adolescent suicide, and identifies areas for future research. Figure, references