Course content

Suicidal behaviour (suicide, attempted suicide, deliberate self-harm and suicidal ideation) is a major public health problem in Norway today. Knowledge about suicide prevention is therefore central to everyone working in health promoting enterprises, or with prevention of disease and injuries, within and outside the national health service. This course will give an overview on different epidemiological aspects, such as rates, trends and risk factors. A number of explanatory theories and different preventional strategies and efforts will be presented.
Ethical issues related to suicide prevention will be central.

Learning outcome

To acquire basic understanding of different kinds of suicidal behaviour as a base for implementing suicidal preventive efforts.

Learning methods and activities

Teaching method and activities: Seminars, lectures and group supervision. Attendance is compulsory.

Compulsory assignments

• Written assignment
• Attendance is compulsory

Required previous knowledge

Bachelor or the equivalent of the Health Sciences and Social Sciences.

Course materials

The reading list consists of 500 pages, of which about 150 pages are independently chosen.

Credit reductions