Frameworks - Individual Protective Factors for Suicide
See also: Individual Risk Factors, Community Risk Factors, and Community Protective Factors.
What are protective factors for suicide?
Protective factors are characteristics statistically associated with a decrease in the vulnerability to a health risk (suicide). These protective factors do not necessarily apply only to suicide; the majority of them are characteristics that also improve general wellbeing. This is not a comprehensive list. There are many more protective factors. Protective factors can be different for each individual and community. Understanding a person’s risk of suicide involves evaluating the balance of risk and protective factors- as well as the warning signs that may be evident.
Personal Protective Factors:
• Attitudes, values and norms prohibiting suicide e.g. strong beliefs about the meaning and value of life
• Good social skills
• Good coping skills e.g. decision-making, problem-solving, and anger management
• Good health and access to health care
• Friends, supportive significant others
• Cultural, religious or spiritual beliefs
• A healthy fear of risky behaviors and pain
• Hope for the future
• Sobriety
• Medical compliance and a sense of the importance of health and wellness
• Good impulse control
• Strong sense of self-worth
• Sense of personal control
External and Environmental Protective Factors:
• Strong interpersonal bonds, especially with family and adults
• Opportunities to contribute/participate in school and/or in the community
• Reasonably safe stable environment
• Restricted access to lethal means
• Responsibilities and duties to others
• Pets
• Perceived connectedness
• Availability of counseling or trusted adult
• Restricted access to firearms and other lethal means
• Parental presence at key times
• Parental expectations
• High grade point average
• Having goals
