Understanding and Preventing Suicide

In this course, Dr. Rory O’Connor (Professor of Health Psychology, University of Glasgow, Scotland; President of the International Association for Suicide Prevention) summarises the stark statistics regarding global suicide rates, noting groups that tend to be more vulnerable. Emphasising the multidimensionality of suicide, Dr. O’Connor explains the three main parts of his IMV Model and highlights the sense of entrapment that is present in someone with suicidal ideation. Citing multiple studies, he outlines the factors which aid the transition from suicidal thoughts to action and the importance of safety planning. Dr. O’Connor finishes with a brief mention of three of the 18 solutions for interventions from his Gone Too Soon project.