title: Attempted suicide: an operant formulation.
abstract: An alternative formulation of attempted suicide is offered, in which the phenomenon is considered within the context of social learning theory. The suicidal behaviour is viewed as an operant which is reinforced and maintained by the consequent interpersonal contingencies. The modification of the suicidal behaviour then involves alteration of the contingent consequences. This theoretical formulation is elaborated and the treatment principles and practice are outlined.
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003216:Conditioning, Operant; D004192:Discrimination, Psychological; D005108:Extinction, Psychological; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008501:Medical Records, Problem-Oriented; D009732:Nursing Care; D012056:Reinforcement, Social; D012201:Reward; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000517:prevention & control