College Students’ Perceptions of Suicide: the Role of Empathy on Attitudes, Evaluation, and Responsiveness

A total of 334 college-age students (18-19 years) participated in a study investigating the role of empathy in perceptions of & responsiveness toward a hypothetical friend exhibiting symptoms associated with suicide risk. The findings underscore the importance of considering social-cognitive factors that may influence perceptions of at-risk behaviors. The implications of the findings for the development of primary prevention & intervention efforts are discussed. (33 refs)