Elsie Li Chen Ong
University of Salford, UK
Title: Early Identification and Intervention of Suicide Risk in Young Adults
Biography
Biography: Elsie Li Chen Ong
Abstract
Suicide is a socially taboo topic that is rarely discussed with others, yet approximately 800,000 people die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds (Who.int, 2017). In contrast to suicide being the tenth leading cause of death for all ages (see Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2017), suicide is the second leading cause of death for young people aged 15-to-24 years old. Although there has been a wealth of research in the study of suicide behavior, assessment and prevention of suicide is challenging because suicide is an extremely personal and negative topic that very few people can openly discuss (Nock et al., 2010). With the imminent rise of suicide rate researchers are desperate to find new ways of helping those who are in need, methods beyond the traditional and stigmatizing way of interventions such as counselling. In light of the issues raised regarding the current situation on suicide prevention and intervention, my presentation aims to promote innovation in the future research and interventions of suicide behavior. It is aimed that these recommendations will stimulate research and theorizing so that our understanding of suicide will progress. My talk is based on the 4 year research I had working in the cognitive lab, it will provide food for thought to clinicians, educators, researchers, students, and anyone who may be in contact with someone encountering suicide behavior. At the end of the presentation I shall highlight theoretical and methodological challenges that have plagued the field of suicide research. It is hoped that the knowledge gained can help to stimulate new ideas and interventions in the difficult fight against suicidal behaviors.