Question 1

Suicide prevention programs:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Suicide prevention programs:
...

Question 2

Today, "the elderly" make up about 14 percent of the population of the United States. The percentage of suicides committed by the elderly in the United States is:

Accepted Answer

The percentage of suicides committed by the elderly in the United States is 19 percent, which is higher than the percentage of the population that they make up.

Question 3

Why might the suicide rate among elderly American Indians be low?

Accepted Answer

The value the culture places on the elderly may contribute to a lower suicide rate among elderly American Indians. In many Native American cultures, elders are highly respected and their wisdom and life experiences are considered valuable. This can provide a sense of purpose and belonging, which can be protective against suicidal thoughts and behaviors.  Additionally, elders may have stronger social support networks, which can also serve as a protective factor against suicide.

Question 4

At a suicide prevention center, you hear a counselor say, "Who can you think of who might be able to come over and stay with you for a few hours?" Which of the goals and techniques of suicide prevention does the quote best represent?

Accepted Answer

The quote is addressing the technique of assessing and mobilizing the caller's resources, as the counselor is inquiring about someone who can physically be with the individual to provide support and help prevent a suicide attempt.

Question 5

At a suicide prevention center, you hear a counselor say, "Will you promise me that you will call again if you ever feel like killing yourself again?" Which one of the goals and techniques of suicide prevention does this question BEST represent?

Accepted Answer

The answer of At a suicide prevention center, you hear...

Question 6

A couple has been married for almost 50 years, and then one of them dies. The probability that the surviving spouse will commit suicide:

Accepted Answer

The probability that the surviving spouse will commit suicide is much higher than normal due to the intense grief and emotional distress experienced after losing a long-term partner.

Question 7

At a suicide prevention center, you hear a counselor say, "Can you tell me what you think are the most important factors that are making you feel hopeless right now? If you could change three things about your life, what would they be?" Which of the goals and techniques of suicide prevention do these questions BEST represent?

Accepted Answer

These questions represent the goal and technique of understanding and clarifying the problem, which involves exploring the individual's thoughts and feelings to gain a better understanding of the underlying issues contributing to their feelings of hopelessness. By identifying the specific factors that are making the individual feel hopeless and asking them to consider what changes they would like to make in their life, the counselor can help them to explore possible solutions and develop a plan for moving forward.

Question 8

Suicide prevention centers:

Accepted Answer

Suicide prevention centers may deliver services over the phone using paraprofessionals. This is known as a crisis hotline or helpline. Option A is incorrect because suicide prevention centers may also use trained professionals, not just suicide survivors. Option B is incorrect because suicide prevention centers are not necessarily hospitals. Option D is incorrect because the number of suicide prevention centers may be increasing due to the rising awareness of mental health issues.

Question 9

Which group is MOST likely to experience cluster suicides?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that American Indian communities are most likely to experience cluster suicides, which refers to a series of suicides occurring in close succession within a community or social group. Factors such as historical trauma, poverty, and lack of access to mental health services contribute to this heightened risk.

Question 10

Which factor does NOT contribute to the high suicide rate among the elderly?

Accepted Answer

Geographical location is not one of the factors that contribute to the high suicide rate among the elderly. The other factors - loss of close friends and relatives, loss of status, and feelings of burden to others - are commonly associated with the high suicide rate among the elderly.

Question 11

At a suicide prevention center, you hear a counselor say, "Have you ever tried to commit suicide in the past? [If yes] How did you try to do it?" Which one of the goals and techniques of suicide prevention do these questions BEST represent?

Accepted Answer

These questions represent the goal of assessing suicide potential, as the counselor is trying to gather information about the caller's past suicide attempts and methods used. This information can help the counselor determine the caller's current risk for suicide and develop an appropriate plan for intervention.

Question 12

The age group MOST likely to commit suicide in the United States is:

Accepted Answer

The elderly, particularly those over the age of 65, are the age group most likely to commit suicide in the United States. This may be due to a variety of factors such as loneliness, chronic illness, and the loss of loved ones.

Question 13

When answering the telephone of a suicide hotline, the first step for the counselor is to:

Accepted Answer

Establishing a positive relationship is crucial as it helps in creating a safe and trusting environment for the caller to open up and share their feelings and concerns. This step is foundational before moving on to understanding the problem or assessing suicide risk.

Question 14

In 1997, Oregon passed the "Death with Dignity Act," which allows doctor-assisted suicide for persons with terminal illnesses. Since 1997, on average, how many Oregonians with terminal illness have ended their lives each year?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In 1997, Oregon passed the "Death with...

Question 15

The spouse of an elderly individual in the United States has recently died; the individual was experiencing clinical depression before the spouse's death. The suicide risk for this individual is:

Accepted Answer

Both death of a spouse and depression are risk factors for elevated suicide risk, and when combined, the risk becomes very high. Older adults who experience significant loss or depression are at an increased risk for suicide.

Question 16

A friend of yours says, "Yes, I support the right of people to commit suicide, especially if they are in a lot of pain, or don't have long to live." In the United States, your friend's opinion is:

Accepted Answer

Public opinion polls in the United States have shown that a significant majority of Americans support the right to die, especially in cases involving terminal illness or severe pain, indicating that such views are common.

Question 17

At a suicide prevention center, you hear a counselor say, "Do you have a gun? Is it loaded and do you know how to use it?" Which one of the goals and techniques of suicide prevention do these questions BEST represent?

Accepted Answer

The counselor is asking specific questions to assess the caller's access to lethal means which is a key component in assessing suicide potential.

Question 18

Treatment for suicide attempters:

Accepted Answer

Treatment for suicide attempters typically involves medical and psychological care, which has been shown to be effective in reducing suicidal behavior. The cognitive group method may be one type of psychological therapy used, but it is not necessarily the most successful or only method used in treatment.

Question 19

At a suicide prevention center, you hear a counselor say, "Hello. I am interested in you as a person and am going to stay on the phone with you as long as you want, all night maybe." Which goals and techniques of suicide prevention does this statement represent?

Accepted Answer

The counselor's statement represents the technique of establishing a positive relationship, which is crucial in suicide prevention as it can provide a sense of support and hope through difficult times. This statement also reflects the goal of providing emotional support and showing empathy towards the individual.

Question 20

"What works best to keep suicidal people from following through?" asks a friend. Which would be the correct answer to this question?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been found to be effective in reducing suicidal behaviors in several studies. Other types of therapies may also be helpful, but CBT has the strongest evidence base. Medications may also be used in conjunction with therapy, but they alone are not considered the best approach for treating suicidal ideation. Option B and D are incorrect as it implies that all therapies are equally ineffective or do not work, which is not true. Option A is incorrect as it oversimplifies the issue and implies that drugs alone can solve the problem of suicidal ideation, which is not the case.

Quiz 9: Suicide