Exploring the ambivalence model of suicidality among Iranian patients: a qualitative study with suicide attempters
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By
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Kaveh Qaderi-Bagajan
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Zahra Asgari
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Matin Khanpayeh
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Johanna Freund
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Tobias Teismann
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Lena Marie Hensel
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July 15, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Investigating the Ambivalence Model of Suicidality in Iranian Suicide Attempters: A Qualitative Analysis
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | Suicidality |
| Key Mechanisms | Ambivalence between the desire to live and the urge to die, consisting of three phases: uncertainty, transition, and action. |
| Target Population | Iranian individuals who have attempted suicide. |
| Care Setting | Psychiatric hospital |
Key Highlights
- The study supports the Ambivalence Model of Suicidality (ABS) in a cross-cultural context.
- Ambivalence was reported as a persistent state throughout the suicidal process.
- Participants experienced a sudden shift into acute suicidality during the transition phase.
- Dissociation was noted as a common experience in the transition phase.
- Ambivalence often persisted into the action phase of suicidality.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Assess for ambivalence in suicidal individuals as a key characteristic.
Management
- Incorporate the ABS into therapeutic approaches for suicide prevention.
Monitoring & Follow-up
- Monitor for fluctuations in ambivalence during the suicidal process.
Risks
- Recognize the potential for reactivation of ambivalence after the initiation of a suicidal act.
Patient & Prescribing Data
Individuals who have attempted suicide in Iran.
Understanding ambivalence is crucial for effective treatment in suicidal crises.
Clinical Best Practices
- Utilize qualitative assessments to explore the ambivalence experienced by suicidal individuals.
- Implement strategies to address ambivalence in therapeutic settings.
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