...Social Work Research on African Americans and Suicidal Behavior: A Systematic 25-Year Review Sean foe and Danielle M. Niedermeier Suicide among African Americans is a neglected topic. Social workers practice in both clinical and nonchnical settings, and as the largest occupational group of mental health professionals, they have a unique opportunity to reach this underserved group. However, little is known about social work's empirical knowledge base for recognition and treatment of suicidal behavior among African Americans.The authors performed a systematic critical review of published articles by social workers on African American suicide and suicidal behavior, to ascertain the state of social worker's contribution to and knowledge of suicide risk factors and effective treatments. They conducted Web-based (for example. Social Work Abstracts, PsycINFO, PubMed,JSTOR) and manual searches of suicide research conducted by social work investigators and pubhshed in peer-reviewed journals from 1980 to 2005. References cited in the articles were used to identify candidate articles. According to the search results, social workers contributed only 11 empirical research articles focusing on African American suicide or nonfatal suicidal behavior. Risk factors for suicide are reviewed, and the implications for clinical social work practice and research are addressed. KEY WORDS: African Americans; clinical knowledge; ethnic minority populations; suicide S uicide is one of the leading...
Words: 4916 - Pages: 20
...Pocket Card was developed to assist clinicians in all areas but especially in primary care and the emergency room/triage area to make an assessment and care decisions regarding patients who present with suicidal ideation or provide reason to believe that there is cause for concern. This reference guide provides more specific information and the rationale for the sections on the pocket card. The sections of the guide correspond with the sections of the card. The Reference Guide may also be used as a teaching aid for new providers, residents and students at all levels and disciplines as well as other caregivers. This introduction provides general information regarding the nature and prevalence of suicidal behaviors and factors associated with increased risk for suicide and suicide attempts. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (including suicide attempts and death by suicide) are commonly found at increased rates among individuals with psychiatric disorders, especially major depressive disorder, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia, PTSD, anxiety, chemical dependency, and personality disorders (e.g., antisocial and borderline). A history of a suicide attempt is the strongest predictor of future suicide attempts, as well as death by suicide. Intentional self-harm (i.e., intentional self-injury without the expressed intent to die) is also associated with long-term risk for repeated attempts as well as death by suicide. Psychiatric co-morbidity (greater than one psychiatric disorder present...
Words: 4773 - Pages: 20
...Borderline Personality Disorder Name of Student Course name Date of submission Borderline Personality Disorder Literature Review The literature review first presents the evolution of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) over the past 60 years, highlighting the shift from psychodynamic perspectives to that of biological and environmental determinates. Diagnostic classification of BPD is then examined, and subsequently discussed in terms of sectors of psychopathology that serve to demarcate the disorder. Next, dominant contemporary aetiologies of BPD are discussed, leading to an examination of comorbidities and the prevalence of BPD across populations. The focus of the review shifts to an examination of BPD in university students, commencing with treatments that are both efficacious and suited for delivery in a university context. Then, management of BPD related behaviours on campus are discussed in terms of the role of university staff in providing assistance to students with BPD. The chapter concludes with a summation of considerations in assisting university students with severe symptoms of BPD while on campus The development of the Borderline construct Reliable and valid differentiation of the borderline construct has proved elusive. The phenomena was initially reported in psychodynamic literature in the 1930’s, however was not distinguished as a syndrome until 1953 (Knight, 1953). Indeed, the use of the term ‘borderline’ arguably represents a misnomer due to its association...
Words: 9604 - Pages: 39
...Chapter 1. Literature Review: Borderline Personality Disorder in university students 1.1 Chapter Overview The literature review first presents the evolution of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) over the past 60 years, highlighting the shift from psychodynamic perspectives to that of biological and environmental determinates. Diagnostic classification of BPD is then examined, and subsequently discussed in terms of sectors of psychopathology that serve to demarcate the disorder. Next, dominant contemporary aetiologies of BPD are discussed, leading to an examination of comorbidities and the prevalence of BPD across populations. The focus of the review shifts to an examination of BPD in university students, commencing with treatments that are both efficacious and suited for delivery in a university context. Then, management of BPD related behaviours on campus are discussed in terms of the role of university staff in providing assistance to students with BPD. The chapter concludes with a summation of considerations in assisting university students with severe symptoms of BPD while on campus. 1.2 Borderline Personality Disorder 1.2.1 The development of the Borderline construct Reliable and valid differentiation of the borderline construct has proved elusive. The phenomena was initially reported in psychodynamic literature in the 1930’s, however was not distinguished as a syndrome until 1953 (Knight, 1953). Indeed, the use of the term ‘borderline’ arguably represents a misnomer...
Words: 9234 - Pages: 37
...Self-Injury Self-injury is a topic that is being discussed more often in the news, on television shows, in school settings, and in the psychological and medical fields. In a survey conducted by McGill University, seventy-four percent of the teachers reported having a personal encounter with self-injury but only twenty percent felt knowledgeable about working with those students (see Heath, Toste, & Beettam, 2007, 73). If the results are similar for the larger population, then it would be beneficial to inform and educate people who may encounter the individuals who participate in self-injurious behavior. Because most people think of self-injury as a new topic of discussion, many people assume that it is not actually a problem but only a cry for attention. Consequently much more research has been conducted in the past decade to determine what self-injury actually is and how it can be recognized. The research has produced results that not only define self-injury but also identify the criteria for diagnosis, and patterns of behavior that assist in recognizing an individual who is engaging in the action. Further research is required due to the fact that most of the focus has been on Caucasian women and young adults; is it prevalent among other demographic populations? Are there disorders that are common among self-injurers? Because it is becoming a more common problem among young adults, educators would benefit from these findings. Individuals in a school setting have expressed...
Words: 2140 - Pages: 9
...International Journal of Mental Health Nursing (2008) 17, 236–245 doi: 10.1111/j.1447-0349.2008.00539.x Feature Article Whose life is it anyway? An exploration of five contemporary ethical issues that pertain to the psychiatric nursing care of the person who is suicidal: Part one John R. Cutcliffe1,2,3 and Paul S. Links4,5 1 ‘David G. Braithwaite’ Department of Nursing, University of Texas, Tyler, USA, 2Stenberg College, Vancouver, Canada, 3University of Ulster, Jordanstown, UK, 4Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto; and 5 Arthur Rotter Somnerburg Chair in Suicide Studies, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada ABSTRACT: It is self-evident that ethical issues are important topics for consideration for those involved in the care of the person who is suicidal. Nevertheless, despite the obvious relationship between Mental Health nurses and care of the person who is suicidal, such nurses have hitherto been mostly silent on these matters. As a result, this two-part paper focuses on a number of contemporary issues which might help inform the ethical discourse and resultant Mental Health nursing care of the person who is suicidal. Part one of this paper focuses on the issues: Whose life is it anyway? Harming of our bodies and the inconsistency in ethical responses and, Is suicide ever a reasonable thing to do? The authors find that this contemporary view within the suicidology academe and the corresponding legal position in most western (developed) countries...
Words: 7425 - Pages: 30
...CST5334 – Ethnic and Cultural Awareness Capella University Abstract This paper presents an overview of what is known about suicide and suicidal behavior among LGB youth. For the intention of this paper, the term youth is generally defined as people age 15 through 24. In developing this paper, the learner reviewed the relevant literature published from 1996 through 2011; researched suicide prevention and mental health support programs, and researched services for LGBT youth. After summarize research findings about the higher risk of suicidal behavior for LGBT youth, the paper explores risk and protective factors for this group and provides suggestions to the field that is used to reduce suicidal behavior among LGBT youth. Table of Contents Research Paper Title…………………………………………………………1 Higher Risks of Suicide among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) youth in America…1 Abstract …………………………………………………. 2 Table of Contents………………………………………..3-4 Introduction…..…………………………………………..5 Overview on Suicide ……………………………5 Illustration of the LGBT Youth………….............5-6 Sexual Orientation and Suicide………………...6-7 Scope of the Problem : Suicidal Behaviors ………….7 Suicide Deaths Among LGBT Youth…………...7 Suicide Attempts Among LGBT Youth…………7-8 Suicide Ideation Among LGBT Youth………….8 Conclusion on Suicidal Behaviors of LGBT Youth…9 Scope of Challenges faced by LGBT Youth………….9 Coming Out………………………………………..9 Cultural Differences……………… ………………9-10 ...
Words: 4197 - Pages: 17
...operations. The United States began combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan on October 7, 2001 in response to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks officially referred to as Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Since October 2001, about 1.9 million service members have been deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq (Asbury & Martin, 2011). OEF/OIF has many unique features with regard to the military forces being sent to fight oversees. The all-volunteer military has experienced multiple deployments to the combat areas, with an increased use of the National Guard and Reserve Components, higher numbers of deployed women and parents of young children, and increases in the number of service members surviving severe injuries and other side effects from combat (Shaw & Hector, 2010). Service members may be subjected to more than one deployment. Studies show that overall about 40% of current military service members have been deployed more than once, with over one quarter serving more than two tours in combat (Sheppard, Malatras, & Israel, 2010). The repeat deployments have created taxing situations for the service members and their families. Moreover, the deployments average a length of sixteen months; which includes pre-deployment training and post deployment transition (Sheppard et al., 2010). An average of 44% of these service members are parents, with an average of...
Words: 7054 - Pages: 29
...light of legal requirements and nursing professional requirements, the issue below. Peter is a 30 old man with a 10 year history of bipolar affective disorder. His history shows that during depressive stages he frequently becomes suicidal and has in fact made several attempts to take his life over the last 7 years. He lives at home with his elderly and frail mother. She finds his illness and non compliance with medications very difficult. His mother calls you to tell you she thinks Peter is going to kill himself as he is pacing around the yard and shouting that ‘he has a gun’. Peter has been very subdued and withdrawn for the last week. You call an ambulance after speaking to Peter’s doctor. The doctor has recommended urgent admission and has notified the hospital. Peter refuses to go to hospital; he claims he cannot be forced to consent to this. The economic burden of mental health treatment in Australia is enormous. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that the national expenditure on mental health services in 2006-07 was estimated to be $4.7b (AIHW, 2009). Chronic mental illness can impact all aspects of a person’s life. Mental illness can be a debilitating barrier to goal establishment, realisation of self expectations and ultimately the perception of a meaningful life. Economic hardships and social problems such as stigma, isolation, loneliness and victimisation all negatively affect the quality of life of sufferers of mental health...
Words: 3145 - Pages: 13
...Chapter 1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND The terms less-than-lethal, less lethal, and non-lethal are frequently and inappropriately used interchangeably. Almost anything can become lethal if used improperly or if circumstances are extremely unlucky; weapons that are considered to be of Non-Lethal force only decrease the odds of deadly injury. The court addresses the use of less lethal force in the “objective reasonableness standard,” where questions regarding excessive use of force are to be judged from the perspective of a reasonable officer coping with a tense, fast-evolving situation. (Graham, Conner, 2009) This revised standard alleviates some of the “Monday morning quarterbacking” that would otherwise result and respects that officers possess sound judgment skills. (Graham, Conner, 2009) In some arrest situations and other law enforcement activities, the use of force may be required to protect the safety of the officer or the public. Occasionally, the threat to an officer or the public justifies the use of deadly force an amount of force that is likely to cause either serious bodily injury or death to another person. (Graham, Conner, 2009) When use of force is required, but deadly force may not be appropriate, law enforcement officers may employ less-lethal weapons to gain control of a subject. Less-lethal weapons are designed to induce a subject to submit or to comply with directions. These weapons give law enforcement officers the ability to protect the safety of...
Words: 4873 - Pages: 20
...Self- Mutilation There are a number of different ways to define what self-mutilation entails. It is one of the most commonly used phrases, but researchers and mental health professionals have not been able to agree on one specific definition to explain self-inflicted injury. Hence, self-harm, self-injury and self-mutilation are the common phrases used to refer to this type of behavior ( Zila & Kiselica, 2001). Many people tend to associate self mutilation with suicide, when in fact they are very different. Therefore, when attempting to understand self-mutilation it is important to recognize the distinct differences between self mutilation and suicide. Suicide is an attempt to depart from pain through ending one’s life. While self mutilation is an effort to create relief from a negative affective incident, it differs for each person. It is used as a means for a person to temporarily deal with the pain, rather than abort it all together. In suicidal patients, pain is viewed as everlasting, which makes them feel hopeless. While, on the other hand self-injurers often portray an optimistic attitude (Walsh, 2006). Hence, there is a big difference between the behaviors and intent, which is why it is important to recognize these differences. Self-injurious behavior tends to be separated into two general categories: culturally sanctioned and deviant self mutilation. Culturally sanctioned rituals and practices comprise of ear piercing in the modern U.S culture, sacrament dances amongst...
Words: 4265 - Pages: 18
...Vazaskia V. Crockrell-Caldwell Prof. Margaret Griesse T SOC 455: Sociology of Gender 8 December 2014 Domestic Violence in the Lives of Black Women in the U.S. This essay will explore the cause and impact of domestic violence in the lives of black women in the U.S. It will provide general information, such as the definition of domestic violence, statistics, and resources to help survivors leave domestic violence relationships. Following the review of the literature I identify areas which need further research. Since I can remember black women have been characterized as mean and argumentative, but also strong and self-sacrificing for their families. Black families on TV were always portrayed as single mother households. In my community there was also a reoccurring reality of domestic violence against women. This was is in direct contrast to stereotypes I heard about white women, who were portrayed as weak, frail and needing to be protected. Examples include June Cleaver on Leave it to Beaver and the Brady Bunch. But what justified the brutality of domestic violence against black women then and now? In 2011, black females were murdered at a rate more than two and a half times higher than white females: 2.61 per 100,000 versus 0.99 per 100,000. [1] In the U.S. domestic violence against black women has escalated. In 2010, Marissa Alexander an African American woman shot a warning shot at the wall in order to scare Rico Gray, her estranged, abusive...
Words: 3530 - Pages: 15
...DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN WEBUYE COUNTY- WESTERN KENYA A RESEARCH PROPOSAL FOR THE FULFILLMENT OF A DIPLOMA COURSE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF ………. A STUDY CONDUCTED BY MR. SHDRACK MOMANYI OCHENGO PRESENTED TO PROF. …….. DATE OF SUBMISSION AUGUST 3, 2012 Table of Contents Chapter One (Introduction) 4 1.1 Background Information 4 1.2 Justification of the Study 6 2.0 Chapter 2: Literature Review 9 2.1 Introduction 9 2.2 Factors related to Domestic Violence 9 2. 3 Remedy to Domestic Violence. 11 2.4 Challenges in Resolving Domestic Violence 15 2.5 The Legal Framework 15 3.0 Chapter 3: Methodology 17 3.1 Introduction 17 3.2 Sample Design, Sampling Procedure and Data Collection. 17 3.3 Data Source and Data Collection Methods 18 3.4 Choice and Limitations of the Research Methods 19 3.5 Data Analysis and Ethical Issues 20 3.6 Problems, Constraints and Limitations of the Study 21 4.0 Chapter 4: Discussion of the Findings 22 4.1 Causes of Domestic Violence 22 4.2 Consequences of domestic violence 25 5.0 Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations 29 5.1 Conclusion 29 5.2 Recommendations 31 Chapter 6: References 32 Appendices 34 6.1 Appendix One (Questionnaire and Interview Guide) 34 Chapter One (Introduction) 1.1 Background Information Since the beginning of the 20th...
Words: 8928 - Pages: 36
...Women and P.T.S.D 1 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Women Women and Their Risk for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder 8 Oct 2012 PSY 121 Dr. Hornstein Women and P.T.S.D 2 Abstract This paper will explain the causes, symptoms, and treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as it relates to women. A multitude of studies were done showing the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in men but recent studies show the severity of the psychiatric disorder on women. Researchers have found that non-combat veteran females had higher levels of PACAP (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide) than patients without the psychiatric disorder and none in men.(2) Women and P.T.S.D. 3 Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D.) is a serious condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic or terrifying event in which serious physical harm occurred or was threatened. P.T.S.D. is a real diagnosable disorder, (3) although many health insurance companies refuse to acknowledge it by paying for it. P.T.S.D. is a lasting consequence of traumatic ordeals that cause intense fear, helplessness, or horror. People with P.T.S.D. may suffer flashbacks to the traumatic event, become aggressive, or numb, or withdrawn, have nightmares, and become emotionally numb or even violent. Most people who experience a traumatic event will have reaction that may include shock, anger, nervousness, fear, and even guilt. These reactions...
Words: 2026 - Pages: 9
...------------------------------------------------- Somatoform disorder From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Somatoform disorder | Classification and external resources | ICD-10 | F45 | ICD-9 | 300.8 | DiseasesDB | 1645 | eMedicine | med/3527 | MeSH | D013001 | In psychology, a somatoform disorder is a mental disorder characterized by physical symptoms that suggest physical illness or injury – symptoms that cannot be explained fully by a general medical condition, direct effect of a substance, or attributable to another mental disorder (e.g. panic disorder).[1] The symptoms that result from a somatoform disorder are due to mental factors. In people who have a somatoform disorder, medical test results are either normal or do not explain the person's symptoms. Patients with this disorder often become worried about their health because the doctors are unable to find a cause for their health problems. This causes severe stress, due to preoccupations with the disorder that portrays an exaggerated belief about the severity of the disorder. [2]Symptoms are sometimes similar to those of other illnesses and may last for several years. Usually, the symptoms begin appearing during adolescence, and patients are diagnosed before the age of 25 years. [3] Somatoform disorders are not the result of conscious malingering (fabricating or exaggerating symptoms for secondary motives) or factitious disorders (deliberately producing, feigning, or exaggerating symptoms) – sufferers...
Words: 12343 - Pages: 50
