Citation

Lester D. Suicide Life Threat. Behav. 1997; 27(3): 304-310.

Affiliation

Center for the Study of Suicide, Blackwood, NJ 08012, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, American Association of Suicidology, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9357085

Abstract

This article reviews 14 studies examining whether suicide prevention centers have a preventive effect on suicide rates. Seven studies were identified that provide some support for a preventive effect, one found an increase in the suicide rates, and six failed to find any significant effects (either preventive or facilitative). The studies' different methodologies are reviewed, and limitations on the authors' conclusions pointed out. The conclusion of this article is that the evidence provides support for a preventive effect from suicide prevention centers, albeit small and inconsistently found.