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Suicide Prevention (HLTH90009)

Graduate courseworkPoints: 12.5Not available in 2025

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Overview

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This subject explores the theoretical frameworks and available evidence in the field of suicide prevention, regarding the identification and assessment of suicide-related thoughts and behaviours. The subject will dually focus on theoretical knowledge and skills-based acquisition, with a focus on assessment and interventional strategies that are brief and evidence-informed. The language of suicide and definitional issues that exist within the field of suicidology will be explored, as will the ethical aspects of working clinically and undertaking research with suicidal clients. The impact and contribution of psychosocial issues to suicidal crises will be considered, as will the importance of professionals understanding the meaning of self-harming and suicidal behaviours, from the perspective of those engaging in the behaviours. This subject will primarily focus on the integration of theory and practice in assessing and responding to suicidality in the context of the Australian service system.

Intended learning outcomes

Knowledge 
At the end of this subject, students should be able to: 

  • Explain and interpret the continuum along which self-harming and suicidal-related behaviours occur:
  • Identify and classify evidence-based risk and protective factors for suicidal behaviour;
  • Describe different practice, theoretical and consumer lived experience perspectives in relation to the assessment of risk; and
  • Articulate and explain suicide prevention as a global imperative.

Skills 
At the end of this subject, students should be able to:

  • Demonstrate skills in identifying and assessing risk of suicide using evidence-based assessment methods;
  • Critically evaluate the prominent theoretical frameworks and explanatory models that exist to explain suicidal behaviour, and critique how these inform practice-based assessment and interventions with suicidal individuals;
  • Critique the appropriateness of evidence-based interventions when working with suicidal and self-harming individuals in various practice settings; and
  • Examine and critique the personal and professional ethical considerations and dilemmas that can be inherent in working with suicidal and self-harming individuals.

Application 
At the end of this subject, students should be able to: 

  • Translate knowledge of the theoretical underpinnings of suicidal behaviour and skills in evidence-based risk assessment into practice to engage, assess and formulate an appropriate intervention plan for an individual experiencing a suicidal crisis.

Generic skills

Students will be provided with the opportunity to practice and reinforce:

  • high level written communication skills
  • advanced information and interpretation skills
  • advanced analytic, integration and problem-solving skills
  • demonstrate competence in critical and theoretical thinking through essay writing and online discussions

Last updated: 8 November 2024