The SIQ evaluates the severity and frequency of suicidal ideation amongst high school students. It is the first step in a two stage evaluation program aimed at suicide prevention in schools. Respondents to the measure rank each of the 15 items on a 7-point scale ranging from 0 ["I never had this thought" (in the last month)] to 6 ["almost every day" (of the last month)]. Each item represents a specific dimension of suicidal ideation. Individual item scores are summed to produce the total score, reflecting severity of suicidal ideation. A total score greater than 41 suggested further evaluation of suicide risk. However, Pinto et al. (1997) argues that a lower cutoff score may be needed.