Nurses’ Attitudes Towards Suicidal Behaviour – a Comparative Study of Community Mental Health Nurses and Nurses Working in an Accidents and Emergency Department

This study explored & compared the attitudes towards suicidal behaviour of community mental health nurses & registered nurses working in an accidents & emergency department. The sample was made up of 80 nurses working in the same locality. Results reveal both groups of nurses held generally positive attitudes towards suicidal behaviour, constrasting with previous studies where more negative attitudes were found. Attitudes were significantly different in accordance with nurses’ length of experience & age within both groups. Further research is needed in this area if nurses are to develop their role alongside other professionals in the prevention of suicide. (37 refs.)