Citation

Leenaars AA, Saunders M, Balance WDG, Wenckstern S, Galgan R. Gerontol. Geriatr. Educ. 1992; 12(1): 61-68.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1992, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1300/J021v12n01_05

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

A series of recent studies has indicated that people's level of knowledge about suicide facts and myths are more extensive than previously presumed. However, none of the previous studies investigated such knowledge in the highest at risk group for suicide, the elderly. A questionnaire devised from Shneidman's traditional list of ubiquitous clinical facts and myths was administered to two groups: an elderly group (age range from 65 to 96) and a pre-midlife reference group (age range from 25 to 45). The results indicated that the elderly knew less than the reference group (and levels reported previously in other studies). Implications of the findings, especially regarding primary prevention, are discussed. © 1992 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.

Language: en