There is a strong association between mental illness
and suicide risk. However, it is important to identify
the specific psychological factors or mechanisms
which increase the likelihood that someone will
develop suicidal ideation; and to differentiate
between those who develop suicidal ideation but
do not attempt suicide from those who do go on to
engage in suicidal behaviour. This line of enquiry is
necessary in order to improve identification of, and
intervention with, those at greatest risk of
completing suicide, as well as to develop
psychological therapies to address the specific
psychological factors that lead to suicidal behaviour
(Johnson et al., 2008; O’Connor, 2011).