Citation

Goodfellow B, Kolves K, De Leo D. Crisis 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Australian Institute of Suicide Research and Prevention, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research in Suicide Prevention and Training, Griffith University, Mt Gravatt, Australia.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, International Association for Suicide Prevention, Publisher Hogrefe Publishing)

DOI

10.1027/0227-5910/a000622

PMID

31512927

Abstract

Background: The absence of agreed-upon terminology, definitions, and operational classifications has hampered research in the field of suicidology for many decades. Aims and Method: We systematically reviewed contemporary classifications of suicidal behavior using the scope of the classification (comprehensive vs. restricted or single behaviors), and the presence or absence of a classification scheme and an operational definition of intent as features to enable analysis and comparison. Results: A chronological perspective shows that classification systems tend to be more and more precise and operational for clinical and research field work. However, on an international level, the development of classifications appears to precede the establishment of agreed-upon definitions and terms to describe suicidal behavior. Limitations: The review was conducted in English only. Conclusion: Universal agreement on definitions and terms for suicidal behavior should precede the development of classifications.

Keywords: classification, suicidal behavior, definition, nomenclature

Language: en

Keywords

classification; definition; nomenclature; suicidal behavior