Cognition and Suicide: Theory, Research, and Therapy [Hardcover]

Thomas E. Ellis (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 2006

Cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) leads the field of psychotherapy in the evidence-based study and treatment of many psychological disorders. However, CBT has been less prominently applied to the study and prevention of suicidal behaviors. This volume is a compilation of theory, research, and intervention practices focused on cognition and suicide. It brings together for the first time many of the world's leading authorities, who seek to answer such questions as, How is the thinking of suicidal individuals different from nonsuicidal individuals? What cognitive vulnerabilities place an individual at risk for developing suicidal ideation and behavior when stressed? How does what we know of the thinking of suicidal people translate into cognitive-behavioral treatment strategies? Each contributor discusses a particular theoretical and/or research framework, often with specific guidelines for clinical intervention tailored to specific cognitive vulnerabilities exhibited by suicidal patients. All of the major CBT theoretical systems are represented, including Aaron Beck's Cognitive Therapy, Albert Ellis's Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy, and Marsha Linehan's Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Specific empirically-derived cognitive features are also addressed, such as deficient problem-solving skills, perfectionism, negative body image, and overgeneral autobiographical memory. Implications for understanding and intervening with suicidal individuals are profound suicidal thought processes are viewed here as causal (as opposed to merely correlated) factors in suicidality. Such thoughts, perhaps for the first time, begin to be viewed, not only as part of the problem, but as part of a potential solution.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 409 pages
• Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA); 1 edition (January 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1591473578
• ISBN-13: 978-1591473572
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 7.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,133,389 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A seminal and scholarly introduction to the sensitive subject of suicide, March 14, 2006

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Cognition and Suicide: Theory, Research, and Therapy (Hardcover)

Cognition And Suicide: Theory, Research, And Therapy compiled, organized, and edited by Thomas E. Ellis (Professor of Psychology, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia) is a seminal and scholarly introduction to the sensitive subject of suicide and brings together under one cover contributions by leading cognitivists and suicide specialists based on cutting edge research in the field and in academia. Beginning with an historical overview of the subject, contributors go on to survey diverse theoretical systems, the cognitive aspects of suicide, and a range of special topics including developmental influences, schizophrenia, trauma, and suicide risk. Concluding with an epilogue (What Have We Learned About Cognition and Suicide and What More Do We Need to Know?), Cognition And Suicide is an invaluable addition to personal, professional, departmental, and academic reference collections and supplemental reading lists.