PSYC 347 – Science of Suicide Risk & Prevention

This course will explore the science of suicide research, prevention, and intervention. Topics will include terminology, epidemiology, historical and contemporary theories of suicide, ethical and methodological challenges to suicide research, risk and protective factors, empirically supported approaches to prevention and intervention, suicide in the media and popular culture, and emerging issues and controversies in the field of suicidology. In many ways, the field of suicide research is young and knowledge is rapidly changing. Special attention will be paid to novel methodological advances in clinical psychological science. The course will use books, empirical articles, class discussion, critical thinking, exams, and writing assignments to accomplish its learning objectives. This course is not designed to resolve personal experiences with suicidal thoughts, suicide loss, or mental illness nor will it address assessing suicide risk among friends or family members.