ASSESSMENT OF SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR IN ADOLESCENTS: THE PAYKEL SUICIDE SCALE

Suicidal behavior is a major socio-health concern at both global and national levels. Nevertheless, in the context of Spanish psychology few measuring instruments exist that have been validated with norm scores from representative samples of the adolescent population. Therefore, the main goal of this work is to present the Paykel Suicide Scale as a tool for assessing suicidal behavior in Spanish youth. First, a brief conceptual delimitation of suicidal behavior is made, and epidemiological data, psychological models, and risk and protection factors are mentioned. Second, the suicide assessment is presented as a nuclear axis for detection, identification, prevention, and intervention as well as in order to advance in our understanding of this phenomenon. Thirdly, the Paykel Suicide Scale is introduced, along with its psychometric properties, and specifically, its scale norms in the Spanish adolescent population. Finally, we conclude with a recapitulation. The Paykel Scale seems to be a brief, simple, useful instrument, with adequate psychometric properties to measure or screen suicidal behavior in adolescents. It can be used to assess mental health status in general examinations, as well as in educational, health, and social contexts. It is crucial for the professional psychologist to have adequate tools for assessing suicidal behavior in order to make informed decisions and to manage educational and socio-health resources effectively