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Description:
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Approximately one million individuals worldwide died from suicide in 2000 and estimates suggest that ten to twenty times more individuals attempted suicide (World Health Organization , 2005 ) . The statistics for suicide rates in the United States are just as alarming for "each year in the United States approximately 30 ,000 lives are lost to suicide (CDC , 1999 ) ; yet this disturbing loss of American lives is preventable" (DeMartino et al . , 2003 ) . As such , this preliminary study aims to provide an initial investigation into the reliability and validity of the AAS Suicide Warning Signs to identify individuals at imminent risk for suicidal behavior . Although the results indicate a statistically significant correlation between one's suicidal risk and one's endorsement of the Warning Signs , possible confounding variables (such as past -week depression level ) might play a role in explaining part of this correlation . Additionally , because statistical analyses suggest that one's endorsement of the Suicide Warning Signs as well as one's past -week depression level both significantly predict group status , there appears to be an interaction between depression and endorsement of the Warning Signs . In conclusion , although it is suggested that risk status and Warning Signs are correlated , this study barely tips the iceberg when it comes to research involving the identification of imminent risk . More research is essential in order to develop a better understanding of possible markers of imminent suicidal risk . |