Scale for Suicide Ideation
Version Attached: Full Test
PsycTESTS Citation:
Beck, A. T., Kovacs, M., & Weissman, A. (1979). Scale for Suicide Ideation [Database record]. Retrieved from
PsycTESTS. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/t01299-000
Instrument Type:
Rating Scale
Test Format:
Each item consists of three alternative statements graded in intensity from 0 to 2. The total score is computed by
adding the individual item scores. The possible range of scores is 0-38.
Source:
Beck, Aaron T., Kovacs, Maria, & Weissman, Arlene (1979). Assessment of suicidal intention: The Scale for Suicide
Ideation. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Vol 47(2), 343-352. doi: 10.1037/0022-006X.47.2.343
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PsycTESTS™ is a database of the American Psychological Association
doi: 10.1037/t01299-000
The Scale for Suicide Ideation
Items
1. Wish to live
0. Moderate to strong
1. Weak
2. None
2. Wish to die
0. None
1. Weak
2. Moderate to strong
3. Reasons for living/dying
0. For living outweigh for dying
1. About equal
2. For dying outweigh for living
4. Desire to make active suicide attempt
0. None
1. Weak
2. Moderate to strong
5. Passive suicidal desire
0. Would take precautions to save life
1. Would leave life/death to chance
2. Would avoid steps necessary to save or maintain life
6. Time dimension: Duration of suicide ideation/wish
0. Brief, fleeting periods
1. Longer periods
2. Continuous (chronic) or almost continuous
7. Time dimension: Frequency of suicide
0. Rare, occasional
1. Intermittent
2. Persistent or continuous
8. Attitude toward ideation/wish
0. Rejecting
1. Ambivalent; indifferent
2. Accepting
9. Control over suicidal action/acting-out wish
0. Has sense of control
1. Unsure of control
2. Has no sense of control
10. Deterrents to active attempt (e.g., family, religion, irreversibility)
0. Would not attempt because of a deterrent
1. Some concern about deterrents
2. Minimal or no concern about deterrents
PsycTESTS™ is a database of the American Psychological Association
doi: 10.1037/t01299-000
The Scale for Suicide Ideation
Items
11. Reason for contemplated attempt
0. To manipulate the environment; get attention, revenge
1. Combination of 0 and 2
2. Escape, surcease, solve problems
12. Method: Specificity/planning of contemplated attempt
0. Not considered
1. Considered, but details not worked out
2. Details worked out/well formulated
13. Method: Availability/opportunity for contemplated attempt
0. Method not available; no opportunity
1. Method would take time/effort; opportunity not readily available
2a. Method and opportunity available
2b. Future opportunity or availability of method anticipated
14. Sense of "capability" to carry out attempt
0. No courage, too weak, afraid, incompetent
1. Unsure of courage, competence
2. Sure of competence, courage
15. Expectancy/anticipation of actual attempt
0. No
1. Uncertain, not sure
2. Yes
16. Actual preparation for contemplated attempt
0. None
1. Partial (e.g., starting to collect pills)
2. Complete (e.g., had pills, loaded gun)
17. Suicide note
0. None
1. Started but not completed; only thought about
2. Completed
18. Final acts in anticipation of death (e.g., insurance, will)
0. None
1. Thought about or made some arrangements
2. Made definite plans or completed arrangements
19. Deception/concealment of contemplated suicide
0. Revealed ideas openly
1. Held back on revealing
2. Attempted to deceive, conceal, lie
PsycTESTS™ is a database of the American Psychological Association
