PROTECTIVE FACTORS

A protective factor is a characteristic that provides a buffer against risk for violence.

Protective Factors of Suicide

To date, protective factors which would buffer individuals from suicidal behaviors have not been studied as extensively as risk factors. However, identifying and understanding protective factors of suicide are important.

The following protective factors have been identified:

• Effective clinical care for mental, physical, and substance abuse disorders
• Easy access to a clinical interventions and support
• Family and community support, also known as connectedness
• Support from ongoing medical and mental health care relationships
• Skills in problem solving, conflict resolution, and nonviolent ways of handling disputes
• Cultural and religious beliefs that discourage suicide