Citation

Gysin-Maillart AC, Soravia LM, Gemperli A, Michel K. Arch. Suicide Res. 2016; 21(1): 113-126.

Affiliation

University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Bern , Bern , Switzerland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811118.2016.1162242

PMID

26984644

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of therapeutic alliance on suicide ideation as outcome measure in a brief therapy for patients who attempted suicide.

METHOD: Sixty patients received the three-session therapy supplemented by follow-up contact through regular letters. Therapeutic alliance was measured with the Helping Alliance Questionnaire (HAq). Outcome at 6 and 12 months was measured with the Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS).

RESULTS: Therapeutic alliance increased from session one to session three. Higher alliance measures correlated with lower suicidal ideation at 12 months follow-up. A history of previous attempts and depression had a negative affect on therapeutic alliance.

CONCLUSION: The results suggest that in the treatment of suicidal patients therapeutic alliance may be a moderating factor for reducing suicide ideation.

Language: en