Youth Suicide, Self-Injury, and Homicide

A set of vocabulary flashcards based on concepts from the lecture notes on youth suicide, self-injury, and homicide.

Suicide

The third leading cause of death in adolescents, accounting for 20% of teen deaths annually.

No-suicide contracts

Agreements between a counselor and client expressing that the client will not engage in suicidal behavior.

SAD PERSONS

A mnemonic used as a guide for assessing potential suicide risk.

Nonsuicidal Self-Injury

The intentional destruction of one’s body tissue without suicidal intent and for purposes not socially sanctioned.

Homicide

The second-leading cause of death among youth aged 15-24, most violence is aimed at peers.

Safety Planning

A strategy that enhances clients’ adaptive, life-sustaining behaviors and outlines steps to manage suicidal ideation.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

An approach that shows promise for treating self-injury.

Commitment to Counseling Statement

An alternative to no-suicide contracts that emphasizes the client's commitment to engage in counseling.

Crisis intervention

Immediate assistance provided in response to a mental health crisis such as suicidal ideation.

Client characteristics

Demographic and psychological factors that may influence a client's risk of suicide or self-injury.

Assessment

The process of evaluating risk factors for suicide or self-injury in clients.

Cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT)

A therapeutic approach supported by research for managing suicidal behaviors.

Motivational interviewing

A technique used to enhance client motivation to change behavior.

Safety measures

Actions taken by counselors to ensure the safety of clients at risk for suicide or self-injury.

Violence prevention strategies

Approaches integrated into schools to address and reduce youth violence.

Psychiatric symptoms

Mental health conditions that may increase suicide risk, such as depression or anxiety.

Environmental factors

External influences that can increase an individual's risk for suicide or self-injury.

Self-report screening

Questionnaires or assessments used by counselors to gauge a client’s risk for suicide.

Coping skills

Techniques that help clients manage stress and emotional turmoil to reduce self-injury or suicidal ideation.

Emergency personnel

Authorities such as police or psychiatric emergency teams that may be contacted in crisis situations.

Social support network

A group of individuals who can provide emotional and practical support to clients at risk.