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A model-based analysis of professional practices in suicide prevention
1National Research and Development Centre for Welfare and Health, Helsinki, Finland. maila.upanne@stakes.fi
Scandinavian Journal of Public Health
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Suicide prevention interventions are similar across professions, focusing on clinical topics and risk factors. A developed model proved effective for analyzing these diverse, multi-method approaches to suicide prevention.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Suicide prevention is a critical public health issue requiring effective interventions.
- Understanding the practical application of suicide prevention strategies is essential for improving outcomes.
- A theoretical model was previously developed to analyze suicide prevention efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the practical meaning of suicide prevention through interventions.
- To assess the feasibility of a theoretical model for analyzing suicide prevention.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 173 action plans from professionals in psychology, clergy, nursing, social work, and medicine.
- Utilized a theoretical model for operational description and interpretation of plans.
- Data collected through the National Suicide Prevention Project in Finland.
Main Results:
- Practice patterns in suicide prevention were largely consistent across different professional fields.
- Interventions primarily focused on clinical topics, individual support, and curative strategies.
- Key priorities included life crises, acute suicide risk, survivor coping, and managing suicide attempts.
Conclusions:
- The theoretical model is a feasible tool for analyzing and differentiating suicide prevention approaches.
- Suicide prevention efforts were versatile, comprehensive, and employed a multi-method approach.
- The integration of risk and protective factors suggests a process-oriented understanding of suicide development.