Which of the following statements best describes a suicide cluster?

• A. A suicide cluster refers to multiple suicides or suicide attempts that occur closely together in time and location, often among people who are connected socially or geographically.
• B. A suicide cluster describes a group therapy session for individuals with suicidal thoughts.
• C. A suicide cluster is a statistical method used to analyze suicide rates in large populations.
• D. A suicide cluster is when a single individual attempts suicide multiple times over a long period.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the term 'suicide cluster' by breaking down its components: 'suicide' refers to the act of intentionally ending one's own life, and 'cluster' implies a grouping or concentration of events.
2. Step 2: Recognize that a suicide cluster involves multiple instances of suicide or suicide attempts, rather than a single event or individual behavior.
3. Step 3: Note the importance of timing and location in defining a suicide cluster — these events occur closely together in time and often within a specific geographic area or social group.
4. Step 4: Differentiate a suicide cluster from other concepts such as therapy sessions, statistical methods, or repeated attempts by one individual, by focusing on the collective and temporal nature of the events.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the best description of a suicide cluster is multiple suicides or attempts happening near each other in time and place, often among socially or geographically connected individuals.