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Ligature and/or Suicide Risk Reduction - Assessing Protective Factors
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NPSG.15.01.01 EP 3 requires that the suicide risk assessment include 'protective factors'. What are examples of protective factors ?

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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 
Relationship Protective Factors
  • Supportive partners, friends, and family 
  • Feeling connected to others 
Community Protective Factors 
  • Connections to school, community, or other social places
  • Availability of consistent and high-quality healthcare 
Societal Protective Factors
  • 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 Represents the most recent date that the FAQ was reviewed (e.g. annual review).
First published date: May 07, 2019 This Standards FAQ was first published on this date.
This page was last updated on September 27, 2024 with update notes of: Editorial changes only Types of changes and an explanation of change type: Editorial changes only: Format changes only. No changes to content. | Review only, FAQ is current: Periodic review completed, no changes to content. | Reflects new or updated requirements: Changes represent new or revised requirements.
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