Citation

Eggert LL, Thompson EA, Herting JR. Suicide Life Threat. Behav. 1994; 24(4): 359-381.

Affiliation

Psychosocial Nursing Department, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1994, American Association of Suicidology, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

7740594

Abstract

This paper describes an instrument designed to assess the suicide potential of youth 14-18 years of age who are at risk for suicidal behaviors. A comprehensive measurement theory provides the basis for three central constructs in the Measure of Adolescent Potential for Suicide (MAPS): direct suicide risk factors, related risk factors, and protective factors. The MAPS entails an introductory questionnaire followed by a computer-assisted, structured interview. Two samples were used to examine psychometric properties of the MAPS (n = 43; n = 123). Results revealed generally strong validity (content, criterion, construct) and reliability (internal consistency) for the MAPS. Further verification studies with large and diverse samples are warranted.