Scale Overview
The Suicidal Behaviors Questionnaire-Revised (SBQ-R) was developed by Osman, A., Bagge, C. L., Gutierrez, P. M., Kooper, B. A., Barrios, F. X. (2001). It is designed to measure Suicidal behavior and ideation. The scale is intended for use with Adults (general and clinical populations).
Scale Structure
This instrument consists of 4 items organized into 4 factors/subscales: Lifetime suicide ideation and/or suicide attempt, Frequency of suicidal ideation over the past 12 months, Threat of suicide attempt, Self-reported likelihood of suicidal behavior in the future.
| Factor / Subscale |
Items |
N |
| Lifetime suicide ideation and/or suicide attempt |
1 |
1 |
| Frequency of suicidal ideation over the past 12 months |
2 |
1 |
| Threat of suicide attempt |
3 |
1 |
| Self-reported likelihood of suicidal behavior in the future |
4 |
1 |
Response Format
Respondents rate each item using a custom response format.
Response anchors: Item 1 – 1 = Never, Item 1 – 2 = It was just a brief passing thought, Item 1 – 3 = I have had a plan at least once to kill myself but did not try to do it / I have had a plan at least once to kill myself and really wanted to die, Item 1 – 4 = I have attempted to kill myself, but did not want to die / I have attempted to kill myself, and really hoped to die, Item 2 – 1 = Never, Item 2 – 2 = Rarely (1 time), Item 2 – 3 = Sometimes (2 times), Item 2 – 4 = Often (3-4 times), Item 2 – 5 = Very Often (5 or more times), Item 3 – 1 = No, Item 3 – 2 = Yes, at one time, but did not really want to die / Yes, at one time, and really wanted to die, Item 3 – 3 = Yes, more than once, but did not want to do it / Yes, more than once, and really wanted to do it, Item 4 – 0 = Never, Item 4 – 1 = No chance at all, Item 4 – 2 = Rather unlikely, Item 4 – 3 = Unlikely, Item 4 – 4 = Likely, Item 4 – 5 = Rather likely, Item 4 – 6 = Very likely.
Scoring
Items are summed to produce a total score.
Total scores range from 3 to 18. Interpretation guidelines:
- Low Risk: 3 – 6
- At Risk (General Population Cutoff): 7 – 7
- At Risk (Psychiatric Inpatient Cutoff): 8 – 18
Administration
The scale is self-administered and typically takes approximately 2 minutes to complete. It can be administered individually or in group settings. No special training is required for administration.