Module 2: Suicide

Introduction

The first presentation in Module 2, Suicide, introduces you to the scope of the suicide problem. In this presentation, you will learn about suicide and suicidal behavior, the occurrence and consequences of suicide and suicidal behavior in the United States, the application of the Socio-Ecological Model to suicide, and how primary prevention broadens the work of those working in acute suicide prevention.

Competencies addressed:

• Ability to describe and explain suicide as a major social and health problem
• Explain how suicide is preventable
• Explain the interrelationship of suicide with other forms of violence

Learning objectives:

• Define suicide and suicidal behavior
• Define and describe the general scope of this problem in the U.S. (occurrence and consequences)
• Identify the populations/groups most likely to be victims and the factors placing them at risk, as well as protective factors that may reduce risk
• List the resources for further study as well as the organizations working to prevent this form of violence

Suggested prerequisites: Module One ( Part 1: Moving Upstream: The Story of Prevention, Part 2: The Public Health Approach to Violence Prevention, and Part 3: The Socio-Ecological Model: A Pathway to Prevention)

Length of presentation: 20 minutes

Terms used in this presentation: Prevention, Protective factors, Risk factors, Socio-Ecological Model

Created by: Lloyd Potter, PhD, MPH

Narrated by: Janet Place, MPH

Music: Janet Place, MPH

Reviewers: Carol Runyan, Injury Prevention Research Center; Alex Crosby, The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Date of release: June 2006