Abstract
Suicide is a significant global public health concern, resulting in over 800,000 deaths per year, and most suicide prevention efforts have historically adhered to a deficit-oriented, risk-based approach. In contrast, the authors in our volume take a strengths-based approach, which we term positive suicidology. Spanning both interpersonal and intrapersonal factors, our authors offer theory and research to support the use of adaptive characteristics, such as future orientation, forgiveness, gratitude, and mindfulness, to prevent suicide. We also consider context and culture, including community-based participatory empowerment strategies for suicide prevention. In this introductory chapter, utilizing a framework of applied resiliency, we discuss the integration of positive psychological theories, such as the Broaden-and-Build theory, and suicidology theories, such as emotion dysregulation theory, noting points of synthesis and highlighting opportunities for intervention. Our goal for this chapter and volume is that the reader will gain a better understanding of the emerging field of positive suicidology, including an ability to utilize this strength-based approach therapeutically to prevent suicide, and the curiosity to continue scientific exploration of the linkages between positive psychological factors and well-being as they occur in the context of distress.
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Kelliher Rabon, J., Hirsch, J.K., Chang, E.C. (2018). Positive Psychology and Suicide Prevention: An Introduction and Overview of the Literature. In: Hirsch, J., Chang, E., Kelliher Rabon, J. (eds) A Positive Psychological Approach to Suicide . Advances in Mental Health and Addiction. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-03225-8_1
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