Classification of suicidal behaviors. II. Dimensions of suicidal intent
A. T. Beck, A. Weissman, D. Lester and L. Trexler
A factor analysis of a scale to assess suicidal intent showed four major
dimensions: expectancies and attitudes, premeditation, precautions against
intervention, and oral communication. Certain types of actions associated
with attempted suicide such as seeking help or social isolation appear to
be revealing of particular behavioral patterns or motives. Dealing with
intent only as a global concept is an oversimplification. Suicidal ideation
and suicidal acts are seen as complex patterns of behavior requiring
increasingly thorough analyses for better understanding, prediction, and
prevention.
