Suicidal behavior: theoretic model and practical implications in cognitive-behavioral therapy

Abstract

The article presents the data on suicide incidence in Russian Federation. The author discusses the necessity of developing prevention programs and carrying out complex team-based specialist work to ensure safe environment at schools. It is noted that prevention and postvention methods should be scientifically grounded. History of development of a special psychotherapeutic cognitive-behavioral protocol for suicide prevention and postvention is presented. The author examines the problem of diathesis (predisposition) to suicidal behavior and formulates the main principles of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy of patients predisposed to suicidal behavior. Key stages of cognitive-behavioral therapy of suicidal behavior, techniques and approaches to working with such clients are described. Various targets that should be taken into account during crisis interventions are discussed. The article presents empirical research data of the effectiveness of cognitive psychotherapy of suicidal behavior and the results of the empirical study of factors of suicidal behavior in students based on multi-factor psychosocial model of affective spectrum disorders. It is emphasized that individual psychotherapy should be combined with other methods of suicide prevention and postvention. Perspectives of further development of methods of working with suicidal behavior are outlined.