Adolescent Suicidal Behavior

by David K. Curran

Overview

First published in 1987. This comprehensive book addresses the problem of adolescent suicidal behavior in America today. It devotes a great deal of attention to sublethal acts or suicide attempts, rather than committed suicides. This study establishes a progression that discusses the scope and magnitude of the problem and an exploration of the meaning and reasons for adolescent suicide in the individual case.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780891167815
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	07/01/1987
Series:	Series in Death, Dying, and Bereavement
Edition description:	Revised ed.
Pages:	222
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

David K. Curran Public schools, Shrewsbury; Anna Maria College, Paxton; University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester; Private practice, Worcester; Massachusetts

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Perspectives; Chapter 2 Scope of the Problem in the United States; Chapter 3 Meaning and Reasons: The Balance of Life and Death; Chapter 4 Antecedents of Adolescent Suicidal Behavior; Chapter 5 Postattempt: Human Environment and the Teenage Suicide Attempter; Chapter 6 The Wish and the Reality: Effect of Negative Attitudes on the Adolescent Suicide Attempter; Chapter 7 Familiarity, Modeling, and Imitation: Suicide in the Experience of the Adolescent; Chapter 8 Assessment; Chapter 9 Treatment; Chapter 10 Education and Prevention;

Editorial Reviews

Curran, a Massachusetts school psychologist, presents a comprehensive review of adolescent suicide research: the reasons, the often negative reactions of mental health professionals, and information about assessment, treatment, and prevention. His formal, factual style is directed at professionals, but parents and interested laypersons will benefit from several case studies illustrating the deep roots of emotional disturbance. What enlivens an otherwise competent but theoretical discussion are the compassionate and insightful conclusions that all suicidal behavior should be regarded as desperate pleas for help, not acts of ``coercion and manipulation,'' and that subtle predictors can even elude therapists. Quinnett, unlike Curran, primarily addresses suicidal young people. The director of crisis services at Spokane's Community Mental Health Center, Quinnett tries to dissuade through logic (e.g., horror stories of bungled suicide attempts); facts about anger, loneliness, depression, and ambivalence; and philosophical discussions about the healing power of time and the human need for strong beliefs. Though his intentions are laudable, his arguments persuasive, and his suggestions sensible, the information can be easily misinterpreted by confused and/or hopeless individualsthe author's main audience. This reviewer's Rx: for assigned use in conjunction with therapy. Janice Arenofsky, formerly with Arizona State Lib., Phoenix

Library Journal