AAS Foundations of Suicidology 3

Question 1

Which epidemiological finding best describes suicide rates by sex in the United States?

Accepted Answer

Men die by suicide more often; women attempt more often

Answer

Men have a higher completed suicide rate while women have higher rates of attempts, often described as the 'gender paradox' of suicide.

Question 2

Contagion in suicide, also called the Werther effect, refers to:

Accepted Answer

An increase in suicides following publicized suicide stories

Answer

The Werther effect describes the phenomenon where prominent media coverage of a suicide is followed by an increase in suicide rates.

Question 3

Safe messaging guidelines for reporting on suicide primarily aim to:

Accepted Answer

Reduce contagion by avoiding sensationalism and detailed method descriptions

Answer

Safe messaging guidelines reduce suicide contagion by discouraging sensational headlines, detailed method descriptions, and romanticization of suicide.

Question 4

The Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is primarily used to:

Accepted Answer

Assess the intensity and lethality of suicidal ideation and behavior

Answer

The C-SSRS is a standardized tool that categorizes suicidal ideation and behavior from passive thoughts to active attempts with intent.

Question 5

Which population group has the HIGHEST suicide rate in the United States according to recent data?

Accepted Answer

White middle-aged males

Answer

Middle-aged white males have consistently shown the highest absolute suicide rates in U.S. epidemiological data.

(AAS) American Association of Suicidology Certification Practice Test

(AAS) American Association of Suicidology Certification Practice Test

AAS Foundations of Suicidology 3