6 CEs

In his new theory of suicidal behavior, Thomas Joiner, Ph.D., proposes three factors that mark those most at risk of death: the feeling of being a burden on loved ones, the sense of isolation, and the learned ability to hurt oneself. He tests the theory against diverse facts taken from clinical anecdotes, history, literature, popular culture, anthropology, epidemiology, genetics and neurobiology. These facts deal with suicide rates among men and women; white and African-American men; anorexics, athletes, prostitutes and physicians; members of cults, sports fans and citizens of nations in crisis.

Seven objectives:

• To review basic facts about the epidemiology and risk factors for death by suicide.
• To learn about a new theory of suicidal behavior.
• To learn about anecdotal, clinical, and scientific evidence that evaluates this new theory.
• To learn about approaches to suicide risk assessment.
• To learn about developments in the treatment of suicidal behavior.
• To learn about developments in suicide prevention.
• To understand the experience of people who are bereaved by suicide.