Assessing the Vital Balance in Evaluating Suicidal Potential (IN: Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention of Suicidal Behavior, edited by R I Yufit & D Lester)

The discussion in this chapter uses a theoretical basis which assumes sound mental health can be represented as an equilibrium, or vital balance. The concept is modified from the writings of Menninger & incorporates the ideas of Antonovsky & his formulations for coping with stress. The Suicide Assessment Checklist, the Coping Abilities Questionnaire, & the Time Questionnaire are reviewed as is the role of anger, depression, & hopelessness in self-harm & self-destructive behaviour. Problems & limitations of these scales & their applications are discussed. The chapter ends with a review of current value & future needs. (13 refs.)