No-Suicide Contracts: An Overview and Recommendations
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2002
Department
Psychology
Abstract
No-suicide contracts, in their various forms, can deepen commitment to a positive action, strengthen the therapeutic alliance, facilitate communication, lower anxiety, aid assessment, and document precautions. Conversely, they can anger or inhibit the client, introduce coercion into therapy, be used disingenuously, and induce false security in the clinician. Research on no-suicide contracts (frequency surveys, assessments of behavior after contracting, and opinions of users) has limitations common to naturalistic studies, and is now ready for more rigorous methods. Mental health professions should be trained to deal with suicidal individuals, including how to use no-suicide contracts. Good contracts are specific, individualized, collaborative, positive, context-sensitive, and copied. However, they are not a thorough assessment, a guarantee against legal liability, nora substitute for a caring., sensitive therapeutic interaction. No-suicide contracts are no substitute for sound clinical judgment.
Publication Title
Death Studies
Volume
26
Issue
1
First Page
51
Last Page
74
Recommended Citation
Range, L. M.,
Campbell, C.,
Kovac, S. H.,
Marion-Jones, M.,
Aldridge, H.,
Kogos, S.,
Crump, Y.
(2002). No-Suicide Contracts: An Overview and Recommendations. Death Studies, 26(1), 51-74.
Available at: https://aquila.usm.edu/fac_pubs/3700