Strategies for Early Identification of Groups at High Risk of Suicide

Abstract

Over 13,000 people end their lives by suicide each year in Korea, ranking the country at the top of the Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) rankings of suicide rates. The central focus of this study is the first stage of suicide prevention policy—namely, the stage in which who should be targeted by the policy is decided and how groups at high risk of suicide are to be identified. Ascertaining the demand for policy support and whom the policy should benefit and deciding the policy tasks accordingly should be prioritized before establishing a policy plan. Also, it is crucial to continue conducting research on people at high risk of suicide and develop a more evidence-based approach to suicide prevention. Finally, the individuals and groups that make up a given society all bear the duty to help realize a safe and reassuring environment and form mutually supportive relationships with friends, families, and neighbors.