Description

The Scale for Suicide Ideation (SSI-19) is a structured psychometric instrument used to assess the presence and severity of suicidal thoughts and intentions. It consists of 19 items examining different dimensions of suicidal ideation, including the intensity and frequency of related thoughts, the presence of suicidal intent, and the extent to which a specific suicide plan has been formulated.

The scale can be used in both clinical and research settings, contributing to the systematic assessment of suicidal ideation and the identification of individuals who may be at increased risk. Its use should form part of a broader clinical assessment process and should not replace a comprehensive evaluation conducted by an appropriately trained mental health professional.

Data Analysis and Use

The SSI-19 is used to assess both the presence and severity of suicidal thoughts and intentions. Through the systematic recording of responses, it provides useful information regarding the level of suicidal ideation and may support the clinical assessment of suicide risk.

In clinical settings, it may be used by psychologists, psychiatrists, and other appropriately trained professionals as part of a broader assessment procedure. In research contexts, it can also support the investigation of suicidal behavior, changes in suicidal ideation over time, and its associations with psychological, social, and clinical factors.

Objective

The primary objective of the SSI-19 is the early and systematic identification of suicidal ideation and the assessment of its severity. The information obtained may contribute to clinical decision-making and to the planning of appropriate interventions when necessary.

The total score should not be interpreted in isolation as a definitive predictor of suicidal behavior. Suicide risk assessment requires consideration of the individual’s history, current mental state, the presence of suicidal intent or planning, protective factors, and the broader psychosocial context.

Scoring

The individual SSI-19 items are scored on a 0-to-2 scale, with higher total scores indicating greater severity of suicidal thoughts and intentions.

The total score may be used to provide a quantitative indication of the intensity of suicidal ideation and, where appropriate, to monitor changes across repeated assessments. However, interpretation of the results should always take place within a comprehensive clinical assessment rather than relying solely on a numerical cut-off score.

Applications

The SSI-19 can be applied in clinical psychology, psychiatry, and mental health research. It is particularly useful in studies examining suicidal ideation, associated risk and protective factors, and changes in symptoms during psychological, psychiatric, or other therapeutic interventions.

Given the highly sensitive nature of the construct being assessed, administration and interpretation of the scale should be accompanied by a clear protocol for managing cases in which elevated or immediate suicide risk is identified.

References

Beck, A. T., Kovacs, M., & Weissman, A. (1979). Assessment of suicidal intention: The Scale for Suicide Ideation. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 47(2), 343–352.

Beck, A. T., Steer, R. A., & Ranieri, W. F. (1988). Scale for Suicide Ideation: Psychometric properties of a self-report version. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 44(4), 499–505.

Linehan, M. M., Goodstein, J. L., Nielsen, S. L., & Chiles, J. A. (1983). Reasons for staying alive when you are thinking of killing yourself: The Reasons for Living Inventory. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 51(2), 276–286.