In the light of the increased incidence of attempted suciide and the stress this imposes on medical resources, alternative approaches to management need to be considered. Where it can be established that the suicidal beahvior has an operant component, management according to behavioral priniciples would appear relevant. The behavior of a 20-year-old woman who exhibited repeated suicidal behavior was managed within a ward program by means of operant principles. No recurrence for 18 months.