Introduction (IN: Assessment and Prediction of Suicide – a Special Issue of SLTB)

This introductory chapter of a book on the assessment & prediction of suicide first defines the difference between assessment & prediction. The authors then discuss the many types of self destructive behavior that experts attempt to predict. The authors contest whether prediction and/or assessment is possible, & describe some of the methods commonly used (e.g. psychological tests). They conclude by outlining individual risk factors & risk settings. (VM)