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Clinicians' attitudes toward no-suicide agreements
M W Davidson1, W G Wagner, L M Range
1University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg 39406-5025, USA.
Suicide & Life-Threatening Behavior
|January 1, 1995
Summary
No-suicide agreements are commonly used for suicidal patients but lack empirical support. Psychologists believe these agreements are more suitable for adults and adolescents, especially those with moderate suicidal ideation.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Suicidology
Background:
- No-suicide agreements are frequently utilized in clinical practice for suicidal patients.
- Empirical evidence supporting the efficacy of these agreements is limited.
- Questions exist regarding their appropriate application across different age groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate psychologists' beliefs and attitudes concerning the use of no-suicide agreements.
- To explore perceptions of no-suicide agreements' appropriateness for various patient demographics.
- To understand clinicians' expectations regarding the benefits of no-suicide agreements.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 46 licensed psychologists.
- Participants were members of a Southern state psychology association.
- The survey assessed beliefs and attitudes towards no-suicide agreements.
Main Results:
- No-suicide agreements were perceived as more appropriate for adults and adolescents compared to children.
- These agreements were considered highly appropriate for patients with moderate suicidal ideation.
- Psychologists expected agreements to help patients manage crises and reduce clinician anxiety.
Conclusions:
- Psychologists' views suggest a nuanced approach to no-suicide agreements based on patient age and ideation severity.
- The findings highlight the need for further empirical research to validate clinical practices.
- Beliefs about crisis management and clinician anxiety may influence the use of these agreements.