Year: 2000 Source: Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, v.30, no.1, (Spring 2000), p.18-33 SIEC No: 20010598

This article discusses the theoretical foundation & potential clinical application of the suicidal mode, a cognitive behavioural theory of suicidality. The model presented represents a specific elaboration of Beck’s modal theory of psychopathology. In addition to discussing the fundamental requirements of a theory of suicidality, the theoretical assumptions of the suicidal mode are identified, its component parts defined, its inherent strengths emphasized, & its application in clinical settings detailed. Definition of a modal theory of suicidality represents the growing influence of cognitive-behavioural theory in efforts at psychotherapeutic integration in clinical suicidology. (51 refs.)