Citation

Kleespies PM. Prof. Psychol. Res. Pr. 1993; 24(4): 477-482.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/0735-7028.24.4.477

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Patient suicide and patient suicide attempts are frequently unexpected, sudden, and violent. They can have a significant emotional impact on the treating clinician, particularly if the clinician is still in a training status (cf. Kleespies, Penk, & Forsyth, 1993). An estimated 40% of psychology trainees have a patient suicide (11.3%) or a patient suicide attempt (29.1%) during their training years. A concept of systematic response called psychological resynthesis (Resnick, 1969) is proposed for psychology interns and training programs that must cope with the aftermath of a patient suicide or a serious patient suicide attempt. Suggestions for suicide education and the preparation of trainees for the "occupational hazard" of patient suicidal behavior are discussed as part of a health-promotive approach to the training and clinical work environment.

Language: en