SOARS: Suicidal Ideation; Onset, frequency, and methods; Aftercare; Reasons; and Stages of change
SOARS is a brief questionnaire developed to identify nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). SOARS is effective in pediatric settings, as well as with adults (Westers et al., 2023).
“The aim of the SOARS curriculum is to provide guidance on (1) what questions to ask (based on research showing associations between NSSI and suicide); (2) why to ask these specific questions (based on theoretical frameworks such as the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (Joiner, 2007)); (3) how to ask each question (based on counseling skills); and (4) how residents can remember each question (i.e., the acronym SOARS: Suicidality; Onset, frequency, methods; Aftercare; Reasons; Stage of change) . The model also recognizes the fast-paced nature of many clinics and the possibility of only having time to ask three questions, thereby highlighting the importance of asking about Suicide, Aftercare, and Reasons. The curriculum is grounded in contemporary research on NSSI” (Westers et al., 2023).