The Development of Effective Message Content for Suicide Intervention: Theory of Planned Behavior

This manuscript presents the theory of planned behavior as a foundation to increase understanding of what message content would be most effective to convince an individual to intervene when someone is suicidal. Suicide & suicidal behaviours are briefly reviewed, as is the theory of planned behaviour. It is then argued how & why this theory can help construct persuasive messages, particularly through guiding content. A key element to suicide prevention is intervention by close others. Use of the theory of planned behavior provides an increased understanding of how to persuade these individuals to intervene when someone is suicidal. (43 refs.)