Depressive symptoms were measured in a sample of Chinese adolescents (N=996) using the Chinese Beck Depression Inventory (C-BDI), and a range of stressors was assessed as potentials to the level of suicide ideation. In boys, most of the prediction was attributable to C-BDI scores. In girls, C-BDI scores, perceptions of low parental caring, and…

The usefulness of the College Student Reason for Living Inventory (CSRLI) for assessment of suicidal risk was evaluated among clients presenting for counseling (N=87) at a large university counseling center. Scores were compared to the Beck Depression Inventory and other measures. Data analysis is presented and discussed. (Author/EMK)

Observes that because of the rate of suicides and attempted suicides among young people, teachers can expect to face suicidal students during their careers. Explores whether teachers can effectively employ no-suicide pacts with children. Finds that teachers took any suicide threat seriously but were uncomfortable using a no-suicide agreement. (DSK)

A self-report questionnaire concerning single and multiple addiction-risk behaviors and suicidal behavior was administered to 6084 Dutch 16- to 19-year-old students. Those who reported hard drug use also showed high suicidal behaviors. Suggests that prevention programs and intervention strategies focus on multiple rather than single targets and…

Reviews research on the cultural meaning of gender and suicidal behavior. Studies suggest that U. S. adolescents perceive nonfatal suicidal behavior as more "feminine" and less potent than killing oneself. Cultural and suicidal behavior may be particularly influential for adolescents because adolescents are in the process of defining their…

Reports on a study of college students (n=132) and mothers (n=64) who listened to simulated hotline calls and then rated levels of suicide risk and the helpfulness of interventions. Results show that students associated emotional problems with risk, whereas mothers associated risk with perceived changes in behavior. (RJM)

Presents a case study on a 19-year-old seaman, without previous psychiatric difficulty, who ingested fifty 500 mg tablets of acetaminophen so as to avoid a frightening event. Two medical doctors comment on the case and suggest appropriate reactions to such events. Includes a discussion on terminology involving the word "suicide." (RJM)

Presents six myths of suicide are discussed. Risk factors, methods of detection of suicidal behavior, intervention techniques, and prevention of adolescent suicide. Characteristics of school-based suicide-prevention programs and appropriate teacher interventions are presented. A list of warning signs and two "no suicide" contracts are…

Reviews research literature on youth suicide that has emerged during the past two decades and examines the possibility of linking this research to the practice of suicide prevention. Such research could be used to develop and evaluate appropriate crisis centers and hotlines as well as school-based suicide awareness curriculum programs. Table…

Reviews the prevalence of suicide among older people in the United States and how it has changed over time. Considers the characteristic intent and implementation of suicidal behavior, and reviews literature on risk factors. Discusses training primary care providers to recognize high-risk, isolated older people. Provides recommendations concerning…

Examines high school students who reported attempting suicide but did not report a suicide plan in the last 12 months. Results show that 15% were as likely to receive medical treatment after their attempt as the attempters who reported planning. They were also more likely to report substance abuse and weapon carrying. All attempters were at high…

Investigates potential predictors of suicidal behavior in adolescent psychiatric patients (N=60) during an 18-month follow-up period. Follow-up suicidality was most strongly predicted by high intake levels of hopelessness, and an increase in or persistent problems with depression. Proposes a model in which the impact of family functioning on…

Examines the prison suicide phenomenon by evaluating all suicides occurring in Austrian prisons between 1975 and 1997 (N=220). Results reveal suicide rates for prisoners on remand and mentally ill prisoners are 8 times higher than that of the general population. Recommends that psychologists concentrate on the suicide prevention of high-risk…

Comments on fiction writer Derek Humphry's short story "Final Exit," in which an elderly couple commits double suicide. Notes the story could serve as a suicide manual for the nonterminal elderly. Asserts that fiction highlights the ambiguities surrounding elder suicide and serves as a reminder to view elder suicide in the context of…

Debates the question of suicide as a defensible choice, particularly for the terminally ill, examining the relevance of such issues as the mortality, rationality, and dynamics of the suicidal act, and the legitimacy of physician-assisted suicide. Contrasting perspectives are articulated by two prominent suicidologists as a spur to the reader's…