Citation

Zadravec T, Grad OT, Zavasnik A. Psychiatr. Danub. 2006; 18(Suppl 1): 106.

Affiliation

Psychiatric hospital Ljubljana, Zaloska 29, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia. tina.zadravec@guest.arnes.si.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2006, Facultas Universitatis Studiorum Zagrabiensis - Danube Symposion of Psychiatry)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16964050

Abstract

Objectives and aims: Different theories on suicidal behaviour coexist today. The incompatibility of the beliefs among experts and (potential) users of medical services can influence the process of help-seeking and treatment. The aims of the study were to identify the explanatory models on suicidal behaviour and to determine possible incompatibilities between the lay (the general population and suicide attempters) and expert (the general practitioners and psychiatrists) views. Methods: A Questionnaire on Attitudes towards Suicide was revised on the basis of semi structured interviews and was than applied to the general population (N=331), suicide attempters (N=63), general practitioners (N=144) and psychiatrists (N=81). Results: Five explanatory models were identified and significant group differences on the explanatory models were found. The lay people believed in the crisis, sociological and medical models whereas the experts shared the belief in the medical, genetic and crisis models. Conclusions: The crisis model gained considerable support in all groups. This could be a common ground between lay people and experts and the starting point of both treatment and prevention programmes.

Language: en