A Reconceptualization of Suicide and Social Workers’ Duty to Report

Abstract

This paper examines how history and psychiatry have shaped social work approaches to suicide prevention. Current social work intervention strategies rely on the following four positivist assumptions: (1) suicide is the result of mental illness, (2) suicidal individuals are irrational, (3) social workers have more knowledge about suicide than their clients, and (4) that preserving life is the least harmful outcome. Analysis reveals that these assumptions hold little validity and cannot be generalised to all cases. Discussion encourages intervention strategies that are informed by the experiences of attempt survivors and a broader sociopolitical context. Social workers are encouraged to use methods that are not only life-preserving, but life affirming. Finally, community specific initiatives to increase resources and decrease isolation and marginalization are posited as potential ways to reduce suicide ideation.