The Utility of MMPI-2 Suicide Items for Assessing Suicidal Potential: Development of a Suicidal Potential Scale

This study focused on the relationship between the six most direct MMPI-2 suicide items & verbally reported history of suicide ideation & behaviour among a sample of 116 psychotherapy outpatients. These 6 items provided valuable information above & beyond that of verbal self-report alone. These items were grouped together to create a single scale, the Suicidal Potential Scale, that manifested strong internal consistency. The authors conclude the single scale provides clinicians with a reliable method of assessing for self-reported suicide ideation & behaviour. (36 refs.)