Predictive role of risk and protective factors before and after suicide intervention therapy

Abstract

While research has increasingly identified risk factors and protective factors, there has been little research into the impact and predictability of these before and after engaging in a therapeutic intervention. This research addressed this by inviting clients attending a suicide intervention charity to complete questionnaires pre- and post-therapy. Items from the Positive and Negative Suicide Inventory were administered by a therapist before therapy had begun, and by an independent researcher one month after therapy had been completed (n = 147). Lower levels of Negative Suicidal Ideation (desire to die) and higher levels of Positive Suicidal Ideation (desire to live) were reported post-therapy. Analysis on protective factors identified three significant differences pre-therapy. The greatest predictor of positive ideation was more frequent physical activity. There were no differences post-therapy. For risk factors, there were five significant differences pre-therapy, with having a plan to die by suicide t...