Suicide Across The Life Span - Developmental of Causes and Care

In this review of Suicide Across The Life Span the authors examine suicide through a developmental lens, making this edition valuable for professionals seeking depth and case-driven insight. The book, first published in 1996, compiles targeted research and clinical case studies to illuminate how suicidal behavior and risk factors shift across ages and life stages. Readers will find a thoughtful, research-informed approach that links theory to practice and provides context for prevention and health care responses.

Key Features

• Developmental viewpoint: Explains how suicidal risk and behavior change from youth through old age, helping clinicians tailor assessment by life stage.
• Case studies: Includes real case material that illustrates theoretical points and offers concrete examples clinicians can use to inform interviews and treatment planning.
• Original research: Presents three research studies conducted for the work, supplying empirical backing for many of the chapter conclusions.
• Interdisciplinary focus: Connects education, aging, and health care perspectives so social service professionals can see practical implications across systems.
• Historical context: As a 1996 publication, it provides a period perspective useful for understanding how clinical approaches and policy debates evolved.

Who It's For

This book is best for clinicians, social workers, researchers and students in mental health or social services who need a developmental framework for understanding suicide across ages. It is particularly useful for those interested in integrating case examples with research findings to inform assessment and prevention strategies.

Those looking for up-to-date epidemiological trends, contemporary treatment protocols or the latest statistical reviews should supplement this volume with more recent texts or journal literature, since the book reflects research and clinical thinking as of its 1996 publication.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong developmental framework that clarifies differences in risk and presentation at different ages.
• Helpful case studies that bridge theory and practice for clinicians and educators.
• Original research chapters that lend empirical credibility to the authors' conclusions.

Cons

• As a work first published in 1996, it lacks the most recent research and contemporary clinical guidelines.

Specifications

Title	Suicide Across The Life Span (Death, Education, Aging and Health Care)
Authors	Judith M. Stillion, Eugene E. McDowell
First published	1996
Content highlights	Developmental analysis, case studies, three original research studies
Audience	Clinicians, researchers, social service professionals, students
Focus areas	Death, education, aging and health care

Our Verdict

Suicide Across The Life Span is a thoughtful, research-informed volume that remains useful as a developmental primer and a source of illustrative case studies. Professionals who want to understand age-related differences in suicidal behavior will find it good value for historical perspective and clinical reasoning, though it should be paired with newer research for contemporary practice updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include original research studies?
Yes, the volume contains three research studies conducted specifically for the work that support its developmental conclusions.

Is this suitable for clinical training?
It is suitable as a supplemental text for training, particularly to illustrate developmental differences and case-based reasoning, but trainees should also consult current clinical guides.

Will this text cover current prevention protocols?
No, the book was first published in 1996 and should be used alongside more recent literature for current prevention and treatment protocols.