AAS Foundations of Suicidology 4

Question 1

In the stress-diathesis model of suicide, 'diathesis' refers to:

Accepted Answer

A predisposing biological or psychological vulnerability

Answer

In the stress-diathesis model, diathesis is a pre-existing vulnerability (genetic, neurobiological, or psychological) that interacts with stressors to increase suicide risk.

Question 2

Which neurotransmitter system has been most consistently implicated in suicidal behavior through postmortem brain studies?

Accepted Answer

Serotonergic system

Answer

Postmortem studies have consistently found abnormalities in serotonin (5-HT) metabolism and receptor binding in individuals who died by suicide.

Question 3

The 'cry for help' conceptualization of suicidal behavior is criticized primarily because it:

Accepted Answer

Minimizes genuine intent and may reduce clinical seriousness

Answer

Framing suicide attempts solely as 'cries for help' can minimize the seriousness of suicidal intent and lead to under-treatment.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes 'suicidal ambivalence'?

Accepted Answer

Simultaneously wanting to die and wanting to live

Answer

Suicidal ambivalence describes the coexistence of a wish to die and a wish to live, which is a common and clinically important phenomenon.

Question 5

A 'psychological autopsy' is a method used to:

Accepted Answer

Retrospectively reconstruct the mental state of a person who died by suicide

Answer

A psychological autopsy involves gathering information from records, interviews, and documents to reconstruct the decedent's psychological state prior to death.

(AAS) American Association of Suicidology Certification Practice Test

(AAS) American Association of Suicidology Certification Practice Test

AAS Foundations of Suicidology 4