AAS Foundations of Suicidology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which theorist introduced the concept of 'psychological pain' (psychache) as the core driver of suicide?
- Edwin Shneidman (Correct answer)
- Aaron Beck
- Thomas Joiner
- Marsha Linehan
Correct answer: Edwin Shneidman
Edwin Shneidman coined the term 'psychache' to describe intolerable psychological pain as the central cause of suicide.
Question 2: In the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, 'thwarted belongingness' refers to:
- Feeling like a burden to others
- A sense of social disconnection and loneliness (Correct answer)
- The acquired capability for lethal self-harm
- Hopelessness about future relationships
Correct answer: A sense of social disconnection and loneliness
Thwarted belongingness is the perception that one is socially isolated and does not belong to a meaningful group.
Question 3: The term 'suicidal crisis' is best described as:
- A chronic state of ideation lasting months
- An acute period of heightened risk requiring immediate intervention (Correct answer)
- Any lifetime history of suicidal thoughts
- A diagnosis listed in the DSM-5
Correct answer: An acute period of heightened risk requiring immediate intervention
A suicidal crisis is a time-limited, acute state of intensified risk that demands immediate clinical attention.
Question 4: Which of the following is a PROTECTIVE factor against suicide?
- Access to lethal means
- Social isolation
- Strong sense of religious or moral objection to suicide (Correct answer)
- History of prior attempts
Correct answer: Strong sense of religious or moral objection to suicide
Religious or moral beliefs that discourage suicide are well-established protective factors that reduce suicidal behavior.
Question 5: According to the Integrated Motivational-Volitional (IMV) model, the 'volitional phase' concerns:
- Feelings of defeat and entrapment
- The transition from ideation to suicidal behavior (Correct answer)
- Development of hopelessness
- Social withdrawal patterns
Correct answer: The transition from ideation to suicidal behavior
The volitional phase of the IMV model addresses factors that translate suicidal ideation into actual behavior.
Question 6: Which method of suicide has the highest case fatality rate in the United States?
- Drug overdose
- Cutting
- Firearms (Correct answer)
- Hanging
Correct answer: Firearms
Firearms have a case fatality rate of approximately 85%, making them the most lethal method used in suicide attempts.
Question 7: The public health model of suicide prevention categorizes interventions as universal, selective, or indicated. A school-wide mental health awareness program is an example of which level?
- Indicated
- Selective
- Universal (Correct answer)
- Tertiary
Correct answer: Universal
Universal interventions target the entire population regardless of individual risk level, such as school-wide programs.
AAS Foundations of Suicidology 2
Which theorist introduced the concept of 'psychological pain' (psychache) as the core driver of suicide?