Citation

Michel K, Dey P, Stadler K, Valach L. Arch. Suicide Res. 2004; 8(3): 203-213.

Affiliation

University Hospital of Social and Community Psychiatry, Bern, Switzerland. konrad.michel@spk.unibe.ch

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811110490436792

PMID

16081387

Abstract

This study investigated the usefulness of an action theoretical model of suicide in interviewing suicide attempters. Eighteen interviews were video-recorded and transcribed. The patients' narratives were reconstructed and life-career issues relevant for the patient's suicidality formulated. Skin conductance response was used to determine narrative content associated with actualized emotions. Scores of the patients' ratings of helping alliance experienced in the interview were positively associated with the therapists' sensitivity towards emotionally relevant life-career issues. Furthermore, relationship satisfaction was related to a narrative interviewing style. We conclude that working alliance in clinical interviews with suicide attempters can be improved when the interviewer uses a patient-oriented approach aimed at understanding the patient's suicidality in the context of personal life-career, or identity issues.

Language: en