ABSTRACT
Problemsolving diminishes during crises, and deficits in problem-solving can increase vulnerability to suicide. Gibbs et al found that perceiving problems as threatening and unsolvable, plus an impulsive approach to problem-solving, predisposed vulnerable elderly people to suicide attempts. Individuals at risk of suicide may not even be aware of their deficits in problem-solving and just skip this response altogether. Problem-solving therapy is a cognitive behavioural intervention for people with depression that focuses on training in adaptive problem-solving attitudes and skills. It instructs patients on problem identification, efficient problem-solving and managing features of depression. Exposure to a brief video intervention on problem-solving and coping skills was sufficient to significantly decrease suicidal ideation and depression, though it did not improve problem orientation or other problem-solving abilities. The goal of problem-solving training is to improve clients' ability to cope with life stressors and engage in alternative solutions to suicidal behaviour when faced with problems.
