Book Summary: A Positive Psychological Approach to Suicide: Theory – Research and Prevention by Jameson K. Hirsch – Edward C. Chang – Jessica Kelliher Rabon

A Positive Psychological Approach to Suicide: Theory – Research and Prevention by Jameson K. Hirsch – Edward C. Chang – Jessica Kelliher Rabon is a science-based framework that complements or replaces traditional deficit-driven theories and therapies used to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

It covers interpersonal, intrapersonal, and societal risk factors for suicide and identifies protective factors like hope and resilience that can be enhanced in therapy. Positive Suicidology covers various approaches and applications, including Self-Determination Theory and meaning-building activities.

Topics covered include future-oriented constructs, gratitude as a protective factor, considering race and ethnicity in positive psychological approaches to suicide, the Six R’s framework, community-based participatory research, and applied resiliency.

This resource is valuable for psychologists, counselors, social workers, psychiatrists, health psychologists, educators, clergy, and healthcare professionals in their prevention and intervention efforts with suicidal clients.

A Positive Psychological Approach to Suicide: Theory – Research and Prevention by Jameson K. Hirsch – Edward C. Chang – Jessica Kelliher Rabon Introduction

From the Back Cover

This inspiring resource presents theories, findings, and interventions from Positive Suicidology, an emerging strengths-based approach to suicide prevention.

By synthesizing positive psychology with suicidology, it offers a science-based framework for promoting well-being that complements or, if appropriate, replaces traditional deficit-driven theories and therapies used to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

The book reviews interpersonal, intrapersonal, and societal risk factors for suicide, identifying protective factors such as hope and resilience that can be enhanced in therapy.

It details a variety of approaches and applications of Positive Suicidology, including the powerful motivating forces described in Self-Determination Theory and meaning-building activities in physical and social contexts.

Topics Covered

• Future-oriented constructs and their role in suicidal ideation and enactment
• Gratitude as a protective factor for suicidal ideation and behavior: theory and evidence
• Considering race and ethnicity in positive psychological approaches to suicide
• The Six R’s framework as mindfulness for suicide prevention
• Community-based participatory research and empowerment for suicide prevention
• Applied resiliency and suicide prevention: a strengths-based, risk-reduction framework

Psychotherapists, counselors, social workers, psychiatrists, health psychologists, educators, clergy, and healthcare professionals will find A Positive Psychological Approach to Suicide an invaluable source of contemporary, evidence-based strategies for prevention and intervention with suicidal clients.

A Positive Psychological Approach to Suicide: Theory – Research and Prevention by Jameson K. Hirsch – Edward C. Chang – Jessica Kelliher Rabon Table Of Contents

1. Positive Psychology and Suicide Prevention: An Introduction
   Jessica Kelliher Rabon, Jameson K. Hirsch, and Edward C. Chang
2. Future-Oriented Constructs and Their Role in Suicidal Ideation and Enactment
   Olivia J. Kirtley, Ambrose J. Melson, and Rory C. O’Connor
3. Forgiveness, Addiction, and Suicide
   Jon R. Webb
4. Reasons for Living
   Raffaella Calati, Emilie Olié, Déborah Ducasse, and Philippe Courtet
5. Gratitude as a Protective Factor for Suicidal Ideation and Behavior: The Theory and the Evidence Base
   Karolina Krysinska
6. Considering Race and Ethnicity Using Positive Psychological Approaches to Suicide
   Ashley B. Cole and LaRicka R. Wingate
7. Interpersonal Needs and Social Support
   Evan M. Kleiman, Daniel D. L. Coppersmith, and Charlene A. Deming
8. Encouraging Health-Promoting Behaviors in Primary Care to Reduce Suicide Rates
   Collin L. Davidson, Meredith L. Slish, Sarah Rhoades-Kerswill, Victoria M. O’Keefe, and Raymond P. Tucker
9. Future-Oriented Treatments for Suicide: An Overview of Three Modern Approaches
   Elizabeth Yu, Jennifer Cheavens, Jennice Vilhauer, and Wessel van Beek
10. Meaning-Centered Men’s Groups (MCMG) for the Transition to Retirement
    Marnin J. Heisel and The Meaning-Centered Men’s Group Project Team
11. The Six R’s Framework for Suicide Prevention
    Thao N. Le, Leysa Cerswell Kielburger, and Bhante Buddharakkhita
12. Community-Based Participatory Research and Community Empowerment for Suicide Prevention
    Michael J. Kral and Sean Kidd
13. Applied Resiliency and Suicide Prevention: A Strengths-Based, Risk-Reduction Framework
    Jameson K. Hirsch, Jessica Kelliher Rabon, and Edward C. Chang

A Positive Psychological Approach to Suicide: Theory – Research and Prevention by Jameson K. Hirsch – Edward C. Chang – Jessica Kelliher Rabon Book Details

A Positive Psychological Approach to Suicide: Theory – Research and Prevention by Jameson K. Hirsch – Edward C. Chang – Jessica Kelliher Rabon Book Summary

Positive Psychology and Suicide Prevention: An Introduction

Discover the innovative approach to suicide prevention with our comprehensive guide in Chapter 1, “Positive Psychology and Suicide Prevention “.

This chapter illuminates how the principles of positive psychology can directly influence and reduce suicide rates. It introduces the concept of positive suicidology, which highlights the importance of individual and community strengths in combating suicide.

Uncover the significant role of positive factors such as optimism, hope, and social support in diminishing suicidality across varied populations and settings. With new treatment paradigms and protective factors discussed, you will learn how positive psychology interventions can reduce psychopathology, promote well-being, and ultimately lower the risk of suicide.

Future-Oriented Constructs and Their Role in Suicidal Ideation and Enactment

Chapter 2 of our book, “Future-Oriented Constructs and Their Role in Suicidal Ideation and Enactment”.

This chapter explores the vital role of future-oriented constructs like future thinking, optimism, and hopefulness in describing suicidal ideation and behavior.

Discover how these elements act as protective factors against suicide and comprehend their position within theoretical frameworks such as the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPT), the Integrated Motivational-Volitional Model of Suicide (IMV), and the Three Step Theory of Suicide (3ST).

Understand the nuanced relations between future orientation and suicidal tendencies, and get to grips with the urgent need for further research on this pivotal topic to elucidate the indirect pathways and potential mediating or moderating factors.

Forgiveness, Addiction, and Suicide

Our chapter, entitled “Forgiveness, Addiction, and Suicide”, delves deep into the notion of forgiveness and its profound effects on addiction and suicidal behavior. Discover how forgiveness, when viewed as a form of spirituality, can significantly influence these problems and learn about concrete evidence that backs up this beneficial association.

Here, we also shed light on the significant role of self-forgiveness, forgiving others, and feeling forgiven by a higher power, specifically in the context of addiction and suicidal tendencies among college students. Understand how forgiveness can lead to a reduction in depressive symptoms and psychache, resulting in diminished suicidal tendencies.

Further, get insights into the potential harm of premature forgiveness, and discuss the importance of conducting more research to establish causality in the relationship between forgiveness and addiction/suicidal behavior.

Lastly, explore the therapeutic application of forgiveness in treating addiction and suicidal tendencies and how it’s indirectly associated with mental health and social support when dealing with alcohol-related problems. Be a part of the call to action for more intervention-based research on forgiveness and alcohol issues.

Reasons for Living

Dive into the depths of mental wellness with the enlightening chapter “Reasons for Living”.

This chapter explores the instrumental role of Reasons for Living (RFL) as protective shields against suicidal ideation and attempts. Learn about the development of different scales for assessing RFL, from adolescents to older adults.

Discover how factors such as Survival and Coping Beliefs, Responsibility to Family, and Cultural Differences can tip the scales in favor of life. Absorb insights into vital therapeutic interventions that enhance RFL, like Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapies.

Immerse yourself in the comprehensive exploration of resilience in mental health and learn the significance of recognizing and promoting RFL in individuals to improve mental health outcomes.

Don’t just live, live for a reason, and let this chapter guide you toward understanding that reason!

Gratitude as a Protective Factor for Suicidal Ideation and Behavior: The Theory and the Evidence Base

This comprehensive guide explores the unique concept of gratitude and its potential as a protective mechanism against suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Gain insightful knowledge as it dissects the definition and psychological interpretations of gratitude while highlighting empirical studies that explore its relationship with suicidality.

Uncover how gratitude enhances psychological well-being, fosters social relationships, minimizes negative emotional reactions, and improves physical health.

This chapter further examines potential facilitators and barriers to gratitude, including personality traits, cultural factors, and gender differences. With an emphasis on the necessity for more research into understanding the cognitive links connecting gratitude with suicidality, and the creation of effective, targeted intervention programs, this chapter leaves no stone unturned.

Considering Race and Ethnicity Using Positive Psychological Approaches to Suicide

Delve into the riveting chapter, “Considering Race and Ethnicity Using Positive Psychological Approaches to Suicide.” It underscores the urgency to study and understand cultural variances in risk elements and protective factors for suicide among broad racial and ethnic minority populations.

The chapter bridges literature gaps by merging existing research and theories, discussing what lacks visibility, and providing directions for future research in the domains of positive psychology and suicidology.

The chapter illuminates the importance of including diverse racial and ethnic groups in suicidology and the implications of historical and current sociopolitical contexts on minority well-being.

It sheds light on unique culture-specific protective factors crucial in thwarting suicide amongst minority groups.

Moreover, it advocates for a paradigm shift from focusing merely on risk factors to resilience factors and exploring protective elements unique to various cultural groups.

It propels diversity in suicide prevention and intervention methods. Future research directions are suggested to further strengthen the understanding and addressing of suicide within diverse groups.

Ultimately, this chapter pushes for a more inclusive and culturally adept approach to understanding and tackling suicide within diverse populations.

Interpersonal Needs and Social Support

Dive into the heart of the human experience with our comprehensive chapter on “Interpersonal Needs and Social Support”.

This chapter delves into the essential role social connections, community involvement, and interpersonal factors play in reducing the risk of suicide.

Discover how social networks, connectedness, attachment, and social support mitigate suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

Learn about interventions addressing risk factors like loneliness, social isolation, conflict, and self-doubt while enhancing protective factors such as self-esteem and positive relationships.

At its core, this chapter highlights the undeniable truth of our social nature. It emphasizes the need for strategies addressing social roots to promote positive psychological functioning and prevent suicide.

Encouraging Health-Promoting Behaviors in Primary Care to Reduce Suicide Rates

The chapter “Encouraging Health-Promoting Behaviors in Primary Care to Reduce Suicide Rates” propounds the necessity of moving from high-risk suicide intervention strategies to preventive measures.

The focus is on early intervention for individuals and the implementation of holistic health promotion strategies. These strategies encompass stress reduction, improved nutrition, controlled substance use, and the promotion of physical activity.

A salient point is the role of positive psychology in advancing wellness behaviors. The rapport between health-promoting behaviors and positive psychological constructs like self-regulation, self-compassion, hope, and forgiveness in mitigating suicidal ideation is discussed.

Substance use regulation is underlined as a vital method for suicide prevention, and the integration of positivity-focused substance use treatments within primary care is proposed to enhance outcomes and globally reduce suicide rates.

Future-Oriented Treatments for Suicide: An Overview of Three Modern Approaches

Explore the future-oriented approach in combating suicide tendencies with the chapter “Future-Oriented Treatments for Suicide: An Overview of Three Modern Approaches”.
The chapter unveils three innovative treatment interventions – Hope Therapy, Future-Directed Therapy, and Future-Oriented Group Training for Suicidal Patients. These interventions are designed with strong theoretical foundations to enhance future planning, hope, goal setting, positive expectations, and problem-solving skills among patients.
They aim to reduce symptoms of depression and suicidal ideation, fostering positive cognitions and social support seeking to address suicidal tendencies. Embrace a promising future with these new-age interventions.

Meaning-Centered Men’s Groups (MCMG) for the Transition to Retirement

Discover the power of Meaning-Centered Men’s Groups (MCMG) for easing the transition into retirement. This insightful chapter explores the challenges faced by men during retirement and emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life.

A detailed examination of MCMG interventions, it illustrates how these programs can foster psychological resilience, promote well-being, and significantly reduce the risks of depression, hopelessness, and suicide ideation.

The chapter provides an in-depth analysis of 12-session courses designed to aid men in transitioning smoothly to retirement, thereby improving their mental health and overall well-being. It explores group process measures – like therapeutic alliance and group satisfaction – and deals with tools used to assess subjective well-being, like the Satisfaction with Life Scale.

The book also takes a look at participants’ feedback, group process ratings, and recommendations, showing overall positive experiences and satisfaction with the MCMG intervention.

From discussing life’s challenges and spirituality to work, leisure, and relationships, it underlines camaraderie’s role in a group setting and how it can lead men toward finding meaning in their lives.

The Six R’s Framework for Suicide Prevention

The chapter “The Six R’s Framework for Suicide Prevention” presents a comprehensive approach to preventing suicide by integrating psychological, transcendent, and critical mindfulness.

The approach leverages Bhante Buddharakkhita’s six R’s framework — remembering, redirecting, replacing, reflecting, resolving, and retracing — to manage suicidal ideation and behavior. The chapter underscores the importance of addressing broad environmental and social factors that contribute to mental distress and suicide, rather than solely focusing on individual skills and competencies.

It further highlights the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions, like Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention, in promoting cognitive and emotional regulation, reducing suicidal thoughts, and fostering self-awareness and self-compassion.

The chapter underscores the role of retracing in understanding the root causes of suicidal behaviors, advocating for a more profound, culturally sensitive understanding of suicide prevention, particularly among Indigenous and native communities.

Community-Based Participatory Research and Community Empowerment for Suicide Prevention

Explore “Community-Based Participatory Research and Community Empowerment for Suicide Prevention,” a fascinating chapter.

Find out how participatory action research and community-driven initiatives may effectively prevent suicide and promote well-being.

Find out how suicide prevention is affected by these strategies, which include including community people as co-researchers, sharing power, and acting together.

Learn more about the significance of positive psychology concepts, sustainability, and empowerment in community-based suicide prevention initiatives.

Examine the difficulties and consequences of applying participatory research techniques to attempts to prevent suicide as well, stressing the importance of sincere community engagement, flexibility, and a long-term sustainability emphasis.

Applied Resiliency and Suicide Prevention: A Strengths-Based, Risk-Reduction Framework

Step into a revolutionary approach to suicide prevention with our chapter, “Applied Resiliency and Suicide Prevention: A Strengths-Based, Risk-Reduction Framework”. In this enlightening read, we introduce an innovative paradigm that balances both risk-reduction and resilience-enhancement in treating and preventing suicide.

This game-changing approach emphasizes the influential role of positive psychological elements, like adaptive strengths, personal growth strategies, and innate virtues, in mitigating suicide risk.

We highlight the importance of developing resilience-based interventions that complement traditional deficit-reduction strategies, providing a holistic approach to promote wellness, reduce psychopathology, and ultimately prevent suicide.

Our concept of “applied resilience” brings positive psychology principles to suicidology, thereby recalibrating the way we approach this critical issue.

Moreover, we shed light on the significant role of interpersonal, intrapersonal, temporal, humanistic, existential, sociocultural, and environmental factors in suicide prevention.

About The Authors: Jameson K. Hirsch – Edward C. Chang – Jessica Kelliher Rabon

Jameson K. Hirsch is an Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology and Assistant Chair at East Tennessee State University. He also holds faculty appointments in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center and the Department of Public Health at East Tennessee State University. Dr. Hirsch has a Ph.D. from the University of Wyoming and completed his APA-accredited internship at SUNY Upstate Medical Center, followed by a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.

His research focuses on protective, positive psychological characteristics that buffer against psychopathology, particularly in underserved and under-represented groups. He has published over 125 peer-reviewed articles and presented his research more than 350 times at professional conferences. Dr. Hirsch serves on the editorial boards of Suicide and Life-Threatening Behavior, Cognitive Therapy and Research, and International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction.

Edward C. Chang is a Professor of Clinical Science in the Department of Psychology and Professor of Social Work in the School of Social Work at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the State University of New York at Stony Brook and completed his APA-accredited clinical internship at Bellevue Hospital Center-New York University Medical Center. Dr. Chang has published nearly 200 works on personality, positive psychology, suicide risk, cultural differences, coping, and psychological adjustment.

He has edited more than a dozen books and served as Associate Editor for several leading journals, including Cognitive Therapy and Research, American Psychologist, and Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. He has received numerous awards for his research and teaching, including the Theodore Millon Award in Personality Psychology.

Jessica Kelliher Rabon is a post-doctoral fellow at Greenville Hospital System Children’s Hospital in Greenville, SC. She obtained her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from East Tennessee State University, her M.A. from Western Carolina University, and her B.S. from Furman University. Dr. Rabon completed her APA-accredited clinical internship at Virginia Treatment for Children in Richmond, VA.

Her research interests include anxiety, depression, suicidal behavior, hopelessness, self-compassion, future orientation, forgiveness, and optimism, with a focus on identifying positive psychosocial characteristics that protect against depression and suicidal behavior, especially in vulnerable populations.

Biographies From: Amazon.com

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