AAS Youth & Adolescent Suicide Prevention 5

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Discuss the death honestly while focusing on support and coping resources

Answer

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

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Ambivalence and protective factors that may buffer against suicidal action

Answer

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

(AAS) American Association of Suicidology Certification Practice Test

(AAS) American Association of Suicidology Certification Practice Test

AAS Youth & Adolescent Suicide Prevention 5