How Difficulties with Solving Problems Contribute to Risk for Suicide

Social problem solving (SPS) is a multistep, cognitive-behavioral process to tackle life’s challenges. Those with a history of suicidal thoughts and behaviors have demonstrated deficits in this process. Problem solving therapy has been shown to improve SPS abilities and reduce suicidal ideation, hopelessness, and other suicide-related risk factors. This brief review of the literature was written to provide scholarly references for undergraduate or graduate students new to the field.