A Novel Therapy for People Who Attempt Suicide and Why We Need New Models of Suicide

Konrad Michel, Ladislav Valach and Anja Gysin-Maillart
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Konrad Michel: University Hospital of Psychiatry, Outpatient Department, 3008 Bern, Switzerland
Ladislav Valach: Private Practice, 3400 Burgdorf, Switzerland
Anja Gysin-Maillart: University Hospital of Psychiatry, Outpatient Department, 3008 Bern, Switzerland

IJERPH, 2017, vol. 14, issue 3, 1-15

Abstract: This paper presents a model of suicidal behaviour based on suicide as a goal-directed action, and its implications. An action theoretical model has guided the authors in the development of a brief therapy for individuals who attempt suicide (ASSIP—Attempted Suicide Short Intervention Program). Key elements are an early therapeutic alliance, narrative interviewing, psychoeducation, a joint case conceptualization, safety planning, and regular letters over 24 months. In a randomized controlled trial, ASSIP was highly effective in reducing the risk of suicide reattempts. The therapeutic elements in this treatment are described and possible implications for future directions in clinical suicide prevention discussed.

Keywords: attempted suicide; suicide; suicide prevention; action theory; narrative interview; psychotherapy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:14:y:2017:i:3:p:243-:d:91868

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