Suicide is an outcome of an extremely complex interaction between several factors, such as genetic factors, mental disorders, and psycho-social factors. Therefore, precise estimation of risk factors and the measurement of suicidal behavior has been challenging. Wide variations have been noted in assessing methods and instruments for various aspects of suicidal behavior. Psychometric instruments have been developed and cross-cultural validation of these instruments has been considered a regular practice. However, there are wide variations among the instruments, as well as among the cultural validations. The majority of these instruments have been developed in high-income countries, whilst the majority of the validations have been conducted in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) with different socio-economic environments. It is important to use objective instruments while measuring suicidal behaviors. Suicide is influenced by social factors, therefore, measurement instruments should be culturally customized.
This Research Topic aims to collect empirical studies and review articles assessing suicidal behaviors, including psychometric scales. Studies for developing and validating psychometric tools measuring suicidal attempts, plans, and thoughts are welcomed. Cultural comparisons between the psychometric properties of tools assessing suicidal behavior would also be expected. This Research Topic should also highlight the challenges of measuring suicidal behavior, of developing instruments, and the complexities in cultural validation. Current challenges and future ways out focused on developing countries will also be worthy of inclusion in this collection.
Suicide is an outcome of an extremely complex interaction between several factors, such as genetic factors, mental disorders, and psycho-social factors. Therefore, precise estimation of risk factors and the measurement of suicidal behavior has been challenging. Wide variations have been noted in assessing methods and instruments for various aspects of suicidal behavior. Psychometric instruments have been developed and cross-cultural validation of these instruments has been considered a regular practice. However, there are wide variations among the instruments, as well as among the cultural validations. The majority of these instruments have been developed in high-income countries, whilst the majority of the validations have been conducted in low and middle-income countries (LMIC) with different socio-economic environments. It is important to use objective instruments while measuring suicidal behaviors. Suicide is influenced by social factors, therefore, measurement instruments should be culturally customized.
This Research Topic aims to collect empirical studies and review articles assessing suicidal behaviors, including psychometric scales. Studies for developing and validating psychometric tools measuring suicidal attempts, plans, and thoughts are welcomed. Cultural comparisons between the psychometric properties of tools assessing suicidal behavior would also be expected. This Research Topic should also highlight the challenges of measuring suicidal behavior, of developing instruments, and the complexities in cultural validation. Current challenges and future ways out focused on developing countries will also be worthy of inclusion in this collection.