Youth & Adolescent Suicide Prevention Flashcards

Which of the following statements about non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicide in adolescents is accurate?

Answer: NSSI is an independent risk factor for future suicide attempts even when intent is absent

NSSI, while functionally distinct from suicidal behavior (typically lacking intent to die), is a significant independent predictor of future suicide attempts.

Which approach is recommended when discussing suicide with a bereaved adolescent who lost a peer to suicide?

Answer: Discuss the death honestly while focusing on support and coping resources

Honest, compassionate discussion that normalizes grief while connecting youth to support is recommended; avoidance can increase isolation and stigma.

A crisis counselor is working with an adolescent who presents with suicidal ideation but denies a plan. According to best practice, the counselor should:

Answer: Explore ideation frequency, intensity, and any history of attempts regardless of current plan

Absence of a current plan does not rule out significant risk; thorough assessment of ideation characteristics and history is always required.

The phenomenon of 'suicide clusters' in adolescent populations is best described as:

Answer: Two or more suicides occurring closer in time and space than expected by chance, often linked by exposure

Suicide clusters involve temporal and geographic clustering often linked by social connections or shared exposure, consistent with contagion dynamics.

When assessing an adolescent's suicide risk, asking about 'reasons for living' is most useful for evaluating:

Answer: Ambivalence and protective factors that may buffer against suicidal action

Exploring reasons for living reveals ambivalence and identifies protective factors that clinicians can reinforce as part of a safety plan.

Which statement best reflects safe messaging guidelines for media reporting on adolescent suicide?

Answer: Stories should include contact information for crisis resources and highlight warning signs

Safe messaging guidelines recommend including crisis resource information and focusing on warning signs and help-seeking rather than sensationalizing the death.

What is the primary purpose of a 'lethal means counseling' session conducted with the caregivers of a suicidal adolescent?

Answer: Reducing the adolescent's access to highly lethal means during the period of elevated risk

Lethal means counseling is a targeted intervention aimed at reducing access to the most lethal means during high-risk periods, which research shows reduces suicide mortality.