CCIS Suicide Risk Assessment & Prevention Flashcards

Which of the following best describes 'suicidal ambivalence'?

Answer: Simultaneous desire to live and to die

Suicidal ambivalence is the coexistence of wanting to end one's life and wanting to survive, which is common and represents a critical point of engagement for crisis counselors.

A safety plan differs from a no-suicide contract primarily because:

Answer: Safety plans are collaborative, coping-focused tools with specific steps

Safety plans are collaboratively developed, include personalized coping strategies, warning signs, and support contacts, and are considered more clinically effective than simple no-suicide contracts.

The term 'postvention' in suicide crisis work refers to:

Answer: Support provided to survivors after a suicide death

Postvention involves providing support, counseling, and resources to individuals who have lost someone to suicide to reduce grief, trauma, and contagion risk.

Suicide contagion (the 'Werther Effect') is most likely to occur when:

Answer: Suicides are reported in detail and glamorized by media

Detailed, sensationalized media coverage of suicide — including method and romanticized framing — is associated with increased suicide rates, known as the Werther Effect.

When a client refuses hospitalization and the crisis specialist believes they are in imminent danger, the appropriate action is to:

Answer: Consult supervisor and consider initiating an involuntary hold if legally warranted

When a client poses imminent risk and refuses voluntary care, crisis specialists may need to initiate an involuntary psychiatric hold in accordance with state law and agency protocol.

Which question is part of a direct inquiry approach to assessing suicidal ideation?

Answer: 'Have you been having any thoughts of killing yourself?'

Direct, explicit questions about suicidal thoughts are recommended because they do not increase risk and provide clear clinical information needed for proper assessment.