Cognitive Approaches to Understanding and Treating Suicidal Behavior (IN: Suicide Over the Life Cycle, ed. by S J Blumenthal and D J Kupfer)

This article outlines many aspects of cognitive theory, research, & therapy techniques. The authors discuss the cognitive model of psychopathology, including cognitive distortions, depression, & the cognitive triad. They also describe the Scale for Suicide Ideation, the Suicide Intent Scale, & the Hopelessness Scale. They describe research which links suicide & hopelessness, problem-solving deficits, impulsivity, external locus of control, & dichotomous thinking. (VM)