Research Areas
The research conducted at CRISE is inscribed in five research areas or axes:
Axis 1 – Suicide risk, protective factors and resilience
This general research axis concerns the development of knowledge on suicide, its determinants and innovative interventions. An essential part of this is the epidemiology of suicide in Quebec, the identification of vulnerable or at-risk groups and their evolution. Among risk factors, of crucial importance is the development of our understanding of the complex relationship between mental health, life events and suicide, in order to better target prevention and intervention efforts on vulnerable individuals. This research axis also aims at developing our understanding of the factors that reduce suicide risk in people otherwise considered at risk. In a positive psychology perspective focusing on resilience, Axis 1 research aim at informing clinicians, decision-makers and program developers on individual and social protective factors that reduce suicide risk.
Axis 2 – Interventions to prevent suicide and alleviate its consequences
This axis aims to foster transferable knowledge in suicide prevention, intervention and postvention. It pertains to the fields of epidemiology (ideations, suicide attempts and completed suicide), prevention activities and programs, interventions, and postvention to reduce suicide and alleviate its consequences for all those affected and for society in general. Axis 2 research aim at improving clinical and community practices.
Axis 3 – New technologies in suicide prevention
This axis analyses the integration in the field of suicide prevention of rapidly-changing information and communication technologies, social media, big data, intervention at a distance, etc. It aims to develop our understanding of the integration of new technologies at all levels of suicide prevention (screening of vulnerable individuals, development of psychosocial and clinical follow-up treatments, fostering resilience, access to healthcare, self-management, etc.).
Axis 4 – Mental health promotion
This research axis focuses on populations that have not yet developed suicidal ideations or behaviours, in order to develop and reinforce individual and environmental protective factors, and to contribute to maintaining good mental health. It also aims at understanding the characteristics of healthy and supportive environments (school, family, work, community) with regards to mental health.
Axis 5 – Ethical issues and end-of-life practices
This axis aims at better understanding the theoretical, practical, ethical, legal and political issues inherent to euthanasia, medical assistance in dying, assisted suicide and end-of-life practices, as well as their complex relationship with suicide. More generally, it also aims at highlighting the ethical issues inherent to research and clinical practices on suicide and end-of-life care.
