Date of Award
Spring 5-10-2025
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Biology
First Advisor
Dr. Adam Ladwig
Second Advisor
Dr. Jed Droge
Third Advisor
Dr. Michele Gill
Keywords
Physical Therapy, Suicide Prevention, Training
Subject Categories
Physical Therapy
Abstract
This study was conducted as part of an undergraduate honors thesis, and it explored how physical therapists feel and manage situations involving patients experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Assessed via survey, the researchers gathered responses from practicing physical therapists, examining demographic information, confidence levels in managing suicidal situations, and a qualitative question about their perceived role in suicide prevention. Key findings revealed that most physical therapists did not routinely discuss suicide with patients. Despite this, many reported feeling confident in identifying patients with suicidal ideations, even in the absence of training. Individuals who received training after earning their physical therapy degree reported significantly greater confidence in identifying appropriate referral sources for patients experiencing suicidal thoughts. Overall, these results emphasize the need for suicide prevention training in the physical therapy profession. As the incidence of suicidal ideation increases among physical therapy patients, training and confidence in managing these situations become increasingly vital for practitioners
Recommended Citation
Schwanebeck, Amber J., "PHYSICAL THERAPISTS’ CONFIDENCE WITH PATIENTS EXPRESSING SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR BEHAVIORS" (2025). Honors Thesis. 361.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/361