What's in a word? Clarifying terminology on suicide-related communication

Death Stud. 2020;44(12):808-818. doi: 10.1080/07481187.2019.1614111. Epub 2019 May 15.

Abstract

Efforts to clarify suicide terminology fail to address nuances in suicide-related communication, often relying on poorly-defined terms or implying communication exists primarily as manipulation. In the present paper, we review examples from existing literature and explore how personal suicide-related communication differs from prevention and exposure communication. We also separate definitions for five common types of personal-suicide-related communication: (a) suicide-related disclosure, (b) suicide-related notification, (c) unintended suicide-related communication, (d) coerced suicide-related communication, and (e) conditional suicide-related communication. Finally, we provide specific ways in which standardized definitions can enhance both research and clinical efforts in the future.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Communication*
  • Humans
  • Suicide*
  • Terminology as Topic*