Attitudes of Clinical Psychology in Regard to Suicidal Behavior

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the beliefs of clinical psychologists regarding suicidal behavior in adolescents. A semi-structured interview and a self-report list of myths and beliefs about suicidal behaviors were administered in an individual format to a sample of 20 clinical psychologists from Mar del Plata, of both genders (70% women; 30% men- Mage = 38.30; ds = 8.00 - Myeasrofexcercise= 9.55; ds = 7.03) with at least 3 years of clinical practice. Results show that participants manifest a low level of theoretical, practical and ethic-legal knowledge, and a moderate level of myth in their beliefs. In spite of this, and contrary to the findings of previous studies, psychologists mostly show positive attitudes towards people who suffer from these problems. This preliminary data suggests the necessity for those institutions which regulate a responsible exercise of psychologists, to enable spaces for specific formation and training in socially relevant issues.