Introduction

This integrative chapter aims to present the Suicide and Risk-Taking (S/RT) model developed from our review of the extant literature and to provide the theoretical basis for that model. The chapter begins with a review of how the model was derived, an explanation of how it differs from a similar model proposed in the literature, and an outline of the component parts of the model. We then briefly revisit the literature concerned with the major factors associated with suicide and risk-taking included in the model in order to provide a rationale for the structure of the model. The chapter proceeds to outline a theoretical framework to explain the way in which the proposed mediating variables, problem solving, hopelessness, protective factors, and decision making are hypothesized to work in suicidal and risk-taking behaviors.

An Earlier Model

In a review article, Yang and Clum (1996) suggested that early environmental factors are linked to suicidal behavior by means of the mediating influence of cognitive factors. In order to reach their conclusion, Yang and Clum examined evidence from other studies to show links between (a) cognitive deficits and suicidal behavior, (b) early environmental factors and cognitive deficits, and (c) early environmental factors and suicidal behavior. They proposed the model of suicidal behavior shown as Figure 8.1.

This model proposes that early negative life events form a background to suicidal behavior, but the exhibition of this behavior is determined by several cognitive factors acting as mediators.