Description

The Scale for Suicide Ideation (SSI-19) is a self-report tool designed to assess suicidal thoughts and intentions. It consists of 19 questions that examine the severity of suicidal thoughts, as well as the intentions and plans for suicide. The SSI-19 is frequently used in clinical and research settings to identify individuals at increased risk of suicide.

Analysis and Use of Data

Purpose:Assessment of Suicidal Thoughts: The SSI-19 aims to assess the presence and severity of suicidal thoughts and intentions, providing valuable information for risk detection.

Risk Identification: It helps clinicians evaluate the risk of suicide and determine whether immediate intervention is required.

Use of Data:Clinical Assessment: The tool is used by psychologists and psychiatrists to identify individuals at high risk of suicide.

Research: It is also used in research settings to study suicidal behavior and its contributing factors.

Objective

The objective of the SSI-19 is to provide healthcare professionals with a reliable tool for the early detection of suicidal thoughts and to help them assess the intensity and immediate level of risk. This enables the appropriate treatment or intervention to be administered as necessary.

Scoring

The SSI-19 is scored on a Likert scale, where participants rate their thoughts and feelings on a scale from 0 to 2. Higher cumulative scores indicate greater severity in suicidal thoughts and intentions. The final score is used to assess the severity of suicidal ideation and adjust the therapeutic approach accordingly.

Bibliography

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.