Previous studies of attempted suicide have cast doubt on the value of
assessing psychological intent. By identifying a moderating variable,
namely, the attempter's preconceptions about the lethality of his act, the
authors were able to solve the puzzle of the low correlations between
intent and lethality. Suicidal intent correlates highly with medical
lethality when the attempter has sufficient knowledge to assess properly
the probable outcome of his attempt. The authors conclude that suicidal
intent and medical lethality are useful dimensions in classifying suicidal
behavior.Abstract Teaser