Suicide (From Crisis Intervention in Criminal Justice/Social Service, Second Edition, P 256-286, 1996, James E Hendricks and Bryan Byers, eds. -- See NCJ-163966)

• NCJ Number: 163975
• Author(s): R D Clark
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 31 pages
• Sale Source: Charles C. Thomas
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter provides an overview of the prevalence and causes of suicide, followed by prevention and intervention suggestions for suicides in jails and prisons; the general nature and effectiveness of suicide treatment and intervention programs are also discussed.

Abstract

One model of suicide views it as a one-time behavior that requires dealing with the short-term crisis. A second model focuses on continued therapy and is premised on the belief that suicide is part of a person's personality. Treatment, therefore, must be viewed as part of an ongoing process that takes into account both chronic feelings and an individual's coping skills. In reviewing the correlates of suicide and suicide ideation, one section of the chapter focuses on both sociological and psychological factors that influence the propensity toward suicide. The variables are risk factors for suicide and not necessarily causes. They are grouped under social and demographic variables as well as psychological factors. Sections on suicide prevention address prevention strategies in general settings, school settings, and jails and prisons. The discussion of suicide in jails and prisons considers correlates of correctional suicides as well as prevention and intervention. Remaining issues discussed are occupational stress and police officer suicide, police confrontations with suicidal offenders, suicide risk assessment, suicide treatment, the effectiveness of suicide intervention and prevention programs, and suicide bereavement. Chapter discussion questions, simulated exercises, and 64 references