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Chapter 1. Chapter

Infographic

Scientific American: Psychology

Infographic Activity 12.2: Suicide in the United States

Suicide in the United States

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In 2009, suicide emerged as the leading cause of death from injury in the United States, surpassing rates for homicide and traffic accidents (Rockett et al., 2012). Researchers examine suicide rates across gender, age, and ethnicity in order to better understand risk factors and to help develop suicide prevention strategies. Let’s take a look at what this means—and what you can do if a friend or family member might be contemplating suicide.

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1.1 Quiz

1. A disturbing number of people – around ________ – attempted to end their own lives in the past year, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

600,000

850,000

1,100,000

2,500,000

Correct.

Incorrect.

2. Martha and Henry are having a discussion about the rate of suicides in the United States. “I’m so glad to know that fewer people are trying to kill themselves,” Martha says. “It is so sad when someone feels that suicide is their only answer.” The most accurate reply Henry could give would be to say, “I agree that it is very sad,________”

but research suggests that the suicide rate has stayed nearly even for the past 25 years.

but in the past 3 years, the suicide rate has tripled in the United States.

but the suicide rate actually increased by about 20% between 2000 and 2010.

and it really is a relief that the rate of suicide attempts has dropped so drastically since 1995.

Correct.

Incorrect.

3. You have a friend who expresses to you that he has been thinking about suicide lately. He does not come out and say that he is planning on killing himself, but you definitely get the hint that this is what he wants to express. Which of the following would not be a suggestion for you to bear in mind as you respond?

You should encourage your friend to contact a responsible person who can help.

You should agree to keep his thoughts about suicide a secret.

You should listen without being judgmental.

You should not worry that talking about suicide will put the idea in your friend’s head.

Correct.

Incorrect.

4. Of the following individuals which one is a member of the group with the highest suicide rate?

A White individual

An Alaskan native

A Pacific islander

An Hispanic person

Correct.

Incorrect.

5. For those individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 years, suicide is the ______ leading cause of death.

second

third

fourth

sixth

Correct.

Incorrect.

6. Which person in the following list belongs to the age group that has the highest rate of suicide?

Bonnie, who is 34 years old.

72-year old Tess

Franklin, who just got his driver’s license at 16 year of age.

Marcia, who is 56 years of age.

Correct.

Incorrect.