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Suicide-Related Knowledge and Attitudes among a Sample of Mental Health Professionals

Author

Listed:
  • Denise Erbuto

    (Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Suicide Prevention Centre, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy
    These authors have contributed equally to this work.)

  • Isabella Berardelli

    (Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Suicide Prevention Centre, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy
    These authors have contributed equally to this work.)

  • Salvatore Sarubbi

    (Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy)

  • Elena Rogante

    (Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy)

  • Alice Sparagna

    (Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Suicide Prevention Centre, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy)

  • Gaia Nigrelli

    (Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Suicide Prevention Centre, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy)

  • David Lester

    (Psychology Program, Stockton University, Galloway, NJ 08205, USA)

  • Marco Innamorati

    (Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy)

  • Maurizio Pompili

    (Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Suicide Prevention Centre, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00100 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

Inadequate knowledge of the potential signs and risk factors of suicide negatively affects the ability of healthcare professionals to recognize patients at risk of suicide. The principal aim of the present study is to assess the attitudes and knowledge about suicide in a large sample of mental health professionals. We examined the relationship between Suicide Knowledge and Skills Questionnaire items and the experience of a patient dying by suicide. We also examined whether various healthcare professionals respond differently to the items of the Impact of a Patient’s Suicide on Professional and Personal Lives Scale. Results demonstrated that healthcare professionals who had experienced a patient suicide reported greater skills than professionals who had not experienced a patient suicide. However, 44% of professionals who had experienced a patient suicide felt that they did not have adequate training on this particular issue. Among those who had experienced a patient suicide, there was an increased tendency to hospitalize patients with suicide risk and an increased use of collegial consultation. Concerning personal emotions, healthcare professionals reported troubled relationships with family members and friends and the loss of self-esteem. In conclusion, better knowledge and attitudes about suicide are necessary for suicide-prevention strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Denise Erbuto & Isabella Berardelli & Salvatore Sarubbi & Elena Rogante & Alice Sparagna & Gaia Nigrelli & David Lester & Marco Innamorati & Maurizio Pompili, 2021. "Suicide-Related Knowledge and Attitudes among a Sample of Mental Health Professionals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-10, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:16:p:8296-:d:609133
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Aseltine Jr., R.H. & DeMartino, R., 2004. "An Outcome Evaluation of the SOS Suicide Prevention Program," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 94(3), pages 446-451.
    2. Inga-Lill Ramberg & Maria Anna Di Lucca & Gergö Hadlaczky, 2016. "The Impact of Knowledge of Suicide Prevention and Work Experience among Clinical Staff on Attitudes towards Working with Suicidal Patients and Suicide Prevention," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 13(2), pages 1-12, February.
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    Cited by:

    1. Laura Hofmann & Birgit Wagner, 2023. "Men’s Behavior and Communication in the Days Prior to a Suicide—A Psychological Autopsy Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(17), pages 1-12, August.

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