Severity of Attempted Suicide as Measured by the Pierce Suicidal Intent Scale

This study characterized the severity of attempted suicide by extracting components of suicidal intent & analyzing levels of intent by gender, age, & variables indicating the severity of the attempt. Data on 469 Estonians who attempted suicide were collected & a revised version of the Pierce Suicidal Intent Scale was used. The level of suicidal intent was not gender-dependent, but rose with age. Males & females were also similar in terms of discrete components. Classified in age groups, their unequivocally expressed “wish to die” was similar, but equivocal communication increased with age. Psychiatric diagnoses, method, & duration of hospitalization were linked to suicidal intent, but assessed danger to life was not. (40 refs.)