Ligature and/or Suicide Risk Reduction - Assessing Protective Factors
NPSG.15.01.01 EP 3 requires that the suicide risk assessment include 'protective factors'. What are examples of protective factors ?
Any examples are for illustrative purposes only.
Protective factors may be described as individual, relationship, community, and societal characteristics or circumstances that can protect individuals from suicide.
Examples of protective factors include, but are not limited to:
Individual Protective Factors
- Skills in coping and problem solving
- Reasons for living, such as family, friends, pets, etc.
- Cultural identity
- Supportive partners, friends, and family
- Feeling connected to others
- Connections to school, community, or other social places
- Availability of consistent and high-quality healthcare
- Reduced access to lethal means
- Cultural, religious, or moral objections to suicide
References:
Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
Additional Resources
Suicide Prevention Portal
Manual:
Hospital and Hospital Clinics
Chapter:
National Patient Safety Goals NPSG
Last reviewed by Standards Interpretation: February 01, 2022
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First published date: May 07, 2019
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