Active Suicide Intervention by a Campus Mental Health Service: Operation and Rationale

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Because adolescent development has traditionally been viewed in terms of the development of independence and self-identity, the equal importance of emotional attachment bonds has often been overlooked. The disruption of these bonds can lead to regressive emotional illness and the re-experience of such bonds can become part of the reparative, healing process. In this paper, the development of a mental health service actively concerned with suicide intervention is described. Primary prevention programs emphasized ties with other agencies to facilitate referrals. Secondary prevention programs actively encouraged the suicidal student to participate in psychotherapy, and, where appropriate, enlisted family involvement. Illustrative brief cases are described. During the two-year period studied, there was a definite decline in the rate of suicide on campus. A theoretical rationale is provided for an active approach to the problem of premature death among young adults.

This publication has 9 references indexed in Scilit: