Responds to study (Shaffer et al., 1990) on adolescent suicide attempters and suicide prevention programs. Challenges study results, arguing against implications that effectiveness of all educational suicide intervention efforts are doomed and that suicide is function of mental illness rather than stresses and losses of life. Argues that death…

Didactic death education interventions were found to produce significantly greater increases in death anxiety than experiential interventions. Contrary to earlier research, death education does not appear to be effective means of lowering death anxiety. Results provide basis for practical recommendation in altering and shifting focus and…

Reviews last 10 years of research, counseling, and treatment in area of bereavement. Notes that community support can help some individuals coping with grief, but that others require different interventions. Sees need for research into sequence of events that lead to adverse physical, mental, or social consequences in bereavement, and about types…

Conducted a treatment outcome study to evaluate change in death anxiety in nursing students (N=24) as a result of systematic desensitization, relaxation training, and no intervention. Both the desensitization and relaxation groups were more effective than no treatment. Improvement of available dependent measures of death anxiety is needed.…

Notes that people over age 60 have highest suicide rates and comprise one-fourth of all suicides. Presents case study illustrating risk assessment and intervention with elderly woman. Examines clinical issues related to recognition of suicidal elderly patients and presents practical approach to early detection, evaluation, and management of…