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An Attachment Model For Assessing Suicidal Risk, Keely J. Hope, Sondra Smith-Adcock

Journal of Counseling Research and Practice

A model for addressing suicidal risk utilizing attachment theory is addressed. Risk factors for suicide have generally been conceptualized at the level of individual characteristics rather than relational dynamics. Combining Shneidman’s common characteristics of a suicidal person with Bowlby’s attachment theory provides for a more relational view of suicide-related behaviors and communications. Considering high rates of suicide, especially among some population groups, it is important to have a more comprehensive framework for suicidal risk from which to treat suicidal clients.